John Sieger

Recent Articles

Sieger on Songs: The Legacy of Robbie Robertson
Sieger on Songs

The Legacy of Robbie Robertson

He didn’t do it alone, but the songs he wrote for The Band are classics.

Sieger on Songs: Bill Nighy Sings ‘The Rowan Tree’
Sieger on Songs

Bill Nighy Sings ‘The Rowan Tree’

His performance of centuries-old song gets to the heart of what music is.

Sieger on Songs: Burt Bacharach Was A Suave Throwback
Sieger on Songs

Burt Bacharach Was A Suave Throwback

The late composer, with lyricist Hal David, created so many timeless songs.

Sieger on Songs: The Many Great Songs of Barrett Strong
Sieger on Songs

The Many Great Songs of Barrett Strong

The composer who recently died wrote "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" and so much more.

Sieger on Songs: The Tragic Talent of Tim Hardin
Sieger on Songs

The Tragic Talent of Tim Hardin

'Misty Roses' is happy sad classic by singer songwriter who died too young.

Sieger on Songs: The 66 Chapters of Bob Dylan
Sieger on Songs

The 66 Chapters of Bob Dylan

His new book, The Philosophy of Modern Song, is uneven, idiosyncratic and fascinating.

Sieger on Songs: Nina Simone’s Summer of Soul
Sieger on Songs

Nina Simone’s Summer of Soul

So much great music in this documentary. And then there is Ms. Simone. Wow.

Sieger on Songs: The Crazed Genius of Jerry Lee Lewis
Sieger on Songs

The Crazed Genius of Jerry Lee Lewis

The one and only left behind some great songs including one that could be this city's anthem.

Sieger on Songs: The Peculiar Joys of Captain Beefheart
Sieger on Songs

The Peculiar Joys of Captain Beefheart

He’s not for everybody. And not like anyone else.

Sieger on Songs: How Did Willie Nelson Ever Succeed?
Sieger on Songs

How Did Willie Nelson Ever Succeed?

The songwriting was always there, but oh, those early days as a performer.

Sieger on Songs: ‘The Glory Of Love’
Sieger on Songs

‘The Glory Of Love’

Perfect for Valentine’s Day, awesome versions by Big Bill Broonzy and Otis Redding.

Sieger on Songs: Remembering Ronnie Spector And Rosa Lee Hawkins
Sieger on Songs

Remembering Ronnie Spector And Rosa Lee Hawkins

Two greats from the girl groups of the 1960s.

Sieger on Songs: ‘Get Back’ Is a Revelation
Sieger on Songs

‘Get Back’ Is a Revelation

Peter Jackson's 8-hour documentary on the Beatles is a slow but powerful demonstration of what real artistry is about.

Sieger On Songs: Why Ringo Sang a Kenosha Song
Sieger On Songs

Why Ringo Sang a Kenosha Song

“Loser’s Lounge” inspired by a Kenosha bar. Former Beatles' version is okay, but story behind it is better.

Sieger on Songs: “Bartender’s Blues” Is a Classic
Sieger on Songs

“Bartender’s Blues” Is a Classic

A fine song written by James Taylor became a classic when sung by George Jones.

Sieger on Songs: Phoebe Snow Was A Rare Bird
Sieger on Songs

Phoebe Snow Was A Rare Bird

Tragedy shortened her career but what she left behind is great.

Sieger on Songs: ‘Hitler Lives’ Is One Timeless Song
Sieger on Songs

‘Hitler Lives’ Is One Timeless Song

A classic song of warning by Rosalie Allen and The Black River Riders.

Sieger on Songs: Phil Spector Was a Killer
Sieger on Songs

Phil Spector Was a Killer

Convicted of murder, he was a troubled musical genius who transformed 1960s rock'n'roll and died of COVID-19.

Sieger on Songs: Christmas With The Roches
Sieger on Songs

Christmas With The Roches

Their version of “Winter Wonderland,” with Brooklyn accents, is funny yet so seasonal.

Sieger on Songs: “America” Is Still Timely and Fun
Sieger on Songs

“America” Is Still Timely and Fun

The ultimate song about immigration, from ‘West Side Story’, is so smart and sassy.

Sieger on Songs: ‘Yes We Can’ On Election Day
Sieger on Songs

‘Yes We Can’ On Election Day

Allen Toussaint’s songful masterpiece calls us to the better angels of our nature.

Sieger on Songs: Toots Hibbert, Johnny Nash and Reggae
Sieger on Songs

Toots Hibbert, Johnny Nash and Reggae

Both have passed away, both helped bring a new kind of music to America.

Sieger on Songs: The Fantastic Negrito Is… Fantastic
Sieger on Songs

The Fantastic Negrito Is… Fantastic

“The Duffler” is just one of many great songs by this blazing talent.

Sieger on Songs: Were The Coasters the Hippest Ever?
Sieger on Songs

Were The Coasters the Hippest Ever?

It doesn’t get any funnier than “Shopping for Clothes”.

Sieger on Songs: Woody Guthrie Meets Wilco and Billy Bragg
Sieger on Songs

Woody Guthrie Meets Wilco and Billy Bragg

The song “Hoodoo Voodoo” is a surreal classic that captures the spirit of Woody.

Sieger on Songs: A Song For George Floyd
Sieger on Songs

A Song For George Floyd

Newly written, by Tom Prasada-Rao, it’s a quietly powerful anthem for these times.

Sieger of Songs: The Incendiary Talent of Little Richard
Sieger of Songs

The Incendiary Talent of Little Richard

An explosive rocker and cultural force, but also a great singer. RIP.

Sieger on Songs: The Greatest Rock Time Capsule Ever
Sieger on Songs

The Greatest Rock Time Capsule Ever

NME Poll Winners Awards Show of 1965 captures the entire British Invasion.

Sieger on Songs: Remembering John Prine
Sieger on Songs

Remembering John Prine

What a singer and songwriter. No one else did what he did or even tried.

Sieger on Songs: Remembering Bill Withers
Sieger on Songs

Remembering Bill Withers

Was there ever a more genuine or less trendy singer?

Sieger on Songs: Lovin’ Spoonful To the Rescue
Sieger on Songs

Lovin’ Spoonful To the Rescue

A sweetly relaxed classic, “Coconut Groove” is a palliative for painful times.

Sieger on Songs: The Funky Fun of Little Feat
Sieger on Songs

The Funky Fun of Little Feat

“Skin It Back” shows why so many musicians loved this band.

Sieger on Songs: The Amazing Legacy of Les Paul
Sieger on Songs

The Amazing Legacy of Les Paul

Incredible innovator teamed with Mary Ford on songs like “The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise.”

Sieger on Songs: Don’t Write off The Kingston Trio
Sieger on Songs

Don’t Write off The Kingston Trio

Or lead singer Bob Shane, and his performance of “It Was A Very Good Year”.

Sieger on Songs: “Walkin’ My Cat Named Dog”
Sieger on Songs

“Walkin’ My Cat Named Dog”

That and “Dusty Springfield” were two memorable songs by the late Norma Tanega.

Sieger on Songs: Two Great Country Songs
Sieger on Songs

Two Great Country Songs

And the addictive fun of the ‘Cocaine & Rhinestones’ podcast.

Sieger on Songs: The Twisted Legacy of Neil Innes
Sieger on Songs

The Twisted Legacy of Neil Innes

We’ve lost the man who wrote many Monty Python songs and helped create The Rutles.

Sieger on Songs: A Little Child Shall Lead Us
Sieger on Songs

A Little Child Shall Lead Us

Viral online hit of Isaac et Nora performing a Yiddish song personifies the Christmas spirit.

Sieger on Songs: 11 Great Christmas Songs
Sieger on Songs

11 Great Christmas Songs

Greatest ever? Maybe. But guaranteed to banish all traces of Scrooge-iness

Sieger on Songs: Charles Manson Meets the Beach Boys
Sieger on Songs

Charles Manson Meets the Beach Boys

Both contributed to “Never Learn Not to Love.” Great song, but kind of creepy.

Sieger on Songs: Try Ernest Tubb for Thanksgiving
Sieger on Songs

Try Ernest Tubb for Thanksgiving

With a side of Loretta Lynn. “Thanks A Lot” should make any list of Top 10 songs of thanks.

Sieger on Songs: “I Blew Up The United States”
Sieger on Songs

“I Blew Up The United States”

It’s 30 years old but this classic by Was Not Was could have been written yesterday.

Sieger On Songs: “Pale Blue Eyes” Is a Classic
Sieger On Songs

“Pale Blue Eyes” Is a Classic

Whatever you think of Velvet Underground, the song is a masterpiece.

Sieger on Songs: The Big Voice of Brenda Lee
Sieger on Songs

The Big Voice of Brenda Lee

Her song, “I’m Sorry”, is one of the best pop vocals ever recorded.

Sieger on Songs: The Fragile Artistry of Daniel Johnston
Sieger on Songs

The Fragile Artistry of Daniel Johnston

Mental illness kept him in a private hell. Yet he created some beautiful songs.

Sieger on Songs: Roy Head Was a Great Spaz Dancer
Sieger on Songs

Roy Head Was a Great Spaz Dancer

And a hell of a singer, with a tight R&B band. “Treat Her Right” is a classic.

Sieger on Songs: Joni Mitchell Captured the Magic of Woodstock
Sieger on Songs

Joni Mitchell Captured the Magic of Woodstock

Her song "Woodstock" embodies the spirit of the famous festival, despite her not performing at it.

Sieger on Songs: The Sheer Dazzle of Willie Dixon
Sieger on Songs

The Sheer Dazzle of Willie Dixon

The oh-so-underrated blues musician is crazy great on “If You're Mine.”

Sieger on Songs: The Quiet Seduction of Joao Gilberto
Sieger on Songs

The Quiet Seduction of Joao Gilberto

Remembering the sweet Bossa Nova of Gilberto, who didn’t need to play loud.

Sieger on Songs: Lesley, Dolly and Me Too
Sieger on Songs

Lesley, Dolly and Me Too

Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me’’ is an empowerment anthem, Parton’s “Jolene” is not. Both are great.

Sieger on Songs: The Funky Legacy Of Dr. John
Sieger on Songs

The Funky Legacy Of Dr. John

The genius has passed away, but songs like “Qualified” will never die.

Sieger of Songs: “We’ll Meet Again”
Sieger of Songs

“We’ll Meet Again”

75 years after D-Day the song made famous by Vera Lynn still resonates.

Sieger on Songs: The Retro Cool of Leon Redbone
Sieger on Songs

The Retro Cool of Leon Redbone

A specialist in “old weird America” has died, leaving a unique legacy.

Sieger on Songs: The Strange Life of Connie Converse
Sieger on Songs

The Strange Life of Connie Converse

“How Sad, How Lovely” among the haunting songs by this lonely songwriter.

Sieger on Songs: Three Incredibly Happy Songs
Sieger on Songs

Three Incredibly Happy Songs

One you probably know well. The other two are wonderful oddities.

Sieger on Songs: Ella Fitzgerald Makes Spring Come Alive
Sieger on Songs

Ella Fitzgerald Makes Spring Come Alive

She turns "Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most" into a seasonal classic.

Sieger on Songs: The Strange Career of Scott Walker
Sieger on Songs

The Strange Career of Scott Walker

Remembering the baritone-voiced American who became a hit in England.

Sieger on Songs: Nina Simone for St. Patricks Day?
Sieger on Songs

Nina Simone for St. Patricks Day?

Her take on “Black Is The Color Of My True Love's Hair” is a haunting cultural crossover.

Sieger on Songs: The Heavenly Sound of Rosetta Tharpe
Sieger on Songs

The Heavenly Sound of Rosetta Tharpe

“Up Above My Head” is a classic. And this week’s Gospel Jubilee a must-see event.

Sieger on Songs: The Simple Integrity of Buck Owens
Sieger on Songs

The Simple Integrity of Buck Owens

Even if you don’t like country, a great song like "Made In Japan" is hard not to admire.

Sieger on Songs: The Slowly Sublime “Hickory Wind”
Sieger on Songs

The Slowly Sublime “Hickory Wind”

Written by Gram Parsons, sung by Gilliam Welch. Unforgettable.

Sieger on Songs: The Curious Case of “I Fought The Law”
Sieger on Songs

The Curious Case of “I Fought The Law”

A Crickets song without Buddy Holly became hit for young singer who suffered grisly death.

Sieger on Songs: Remembering Clydie King
Sieger on Songs

Remembering Clydie King

A wonderful back-up singer with Dylan and the Stones, she made everyone sound better.

Sieger on Songs: The Underrated Greatness of Ray Davies
Sieger on Songs

The Underrated Greatness of Ray Davies

Case in point: “Nothing In This World Can Stop Me Worryin’ ‘Bout That Girl”.

Sieger on Songs: “Ruby, Are You Mad?,” Love Song? Or?
Sieger on Songs

“Ruby, Are You Mad?,” Love Song? Or?

Bobby Osborne's singing on this Bluegrass song looks and sounds like magic.

Sieger on Songs: A Christmas Song You Can Dance To
Sieger on Songs

A Christmas Song You Can Dance To

The Waitresses’ “Christmas Wrapping” is an ‘80s song that’s a ton of fun.

Sieger on Songs: Macy Gray, a New Christmas Favorite
Sieger on Songs

Macy Gray, a New Christmas Favorite

Her version of “Walking in a Winter Wonderland” is a classic that will endure.

Sieger on Songs: The Sly Rhythmic Genius of Bo Diddley
Sieger on Songs

The Sly Rhythmic Genius of Bo Diddley

Consider “Who Do You Love,” for instance.

Sieger on Songs: Let Us Give Thanks for Roger Miller
Sieger on Songs

Let Us Give Thanks for Roger Miller

And for Paul Cebar, John Ziegler and Bob Reitman.

Sieger on Songs: Why Pete Seeger Still Endures
Sieger on Songs

Why Pete Seeger Still Endures

“Waist Deep In The Big Muddy” shows the folly of obeying a “big fool” of a leader.

Sieger On Songs: Emmylou Harris’ Classic “Making Believe”
Sieger On Songs

Emmylou Harris’ Classic “Making Believe”

It’s great country music, from a time when that was less of an exception.

Sieger on Songs: Yes, Paul McCartney Is Great
Sieger on Songs

Yes, Paul McCartney Is Great

And nothing shows his range better than “Eleanor Rigby”

Sieger on Songs: “Send In The Clowns”
Sieger on Songs

“Send In The Clowns”

Suddenly a topical song for our political era, and never better sung than by Judy Collins.

Sieger on Songs: Sly’s “Stand” Is a Great Call to Arms
Sieger on Songs

Sly’s “Stand” Is a Great Call to Arms

Innovative song might be just what certain politicians need to get some courage.

Sieger on Songs: The Sad Happiness Of John Lennon
Sieger on Songs

The Sad Happiness Of John Lennon

“It’s Only Love” works on every level. But Lennon didn’t like it.

Sieger on Songs: Eddie Hinton’s Hard Luck Life
Sieger on Songs

Eddie Hinton’s Hard Luck Life

His song “Hard Luck Guy” is like the reincarnation of Otis Redding.

Sieger on Songs: The Unique Sound of the Staple Singers
Sieger on Songs

The Unique Sound of the Staple Singers

And why you should attend the Gospel Jubilee at Turner Hall.

Sieger on Songs: City Goes Crazy for Stevie Wonder
Sieger on Songs

City Goes Crazy for Stevie Wonder

Fantastic Turner Hall show celebrated an all-time great album.

Sieger on Songs: The Sheer Joy of Stevie Wonder
Sieger on Songs

The Sheer Joy of Stevie Wonder

He’s the funkiest synth player ever, as the sublime “I Wish” makes clear.

Music: How Shonn Hinton Made Good
Music

How Shonn Hinton Made Good

The Milwaukee guitarist, who performs with the band at Friday’s Gospel Jubilee, now plays with top national acts.

Sieger on Songs: “He Hit Me And It Felt Like Kiss”
Sieger on Songs

“He Hit Me And It Felt Like Kiss”

The 1962 Carole King song performed by the Crystals still provokes controversy today.

Sieger on Songs: Ten Monster Riffs
Sieger on Songs

Ten Monster Riffs

It started with the blues and then the Brits took over. Ten of the most influential riffs ever written.

The Greatness of Gospel Music

The Greatness of Gospel Music

A veteran rock musician explains why he helped organize Friday night’s gospel showcase -- and why you shouldn’t miss it.