{Music} The Ultimate FOF Playlist

We asked a few of our FOF members–musicians, music execs and even a 69-year old  club DJ–what they’re listening to now. The result? Music to our ears…the ultimate FOF playlist.

Plus! Win a CD compilation of all these songs. To enter, comment below and answer: What musician should every FOF know about?

Polly John

55, Duluth, Minnesota

“I sing with a 6-piece dance band called Park Avenue.’”

“Realize” by Colbie Caillait – Her music is light, fresh and makes you want to tap your feet. It evokes the questions, “What if we never connect?” “What would have happened if I’d met THIS person at THAT time?” and “How could our lives have been different if we’d married THAT person instead of the one we did?”


“Baby, Now that I’ve Found You” by Alison Krauss
– Her voice is sweet and clear and makes my heart happy. Any song by Alison is lovely but I like this one because she took a hit up-tempo song by The Foundations, and made it more of a ballad. The violin provides a haunting lilt, and her gentle spirit makes me want to close my eyes and sing along.

Sheri Nadelman

52, Tampa Bay, Florida

“I play guitar, sing and write. I am working on my first CD. Besides playing solo, I front two local bands; a 4-piece rock band, ‘SHERI AND THE VISION’  and a contemporary 5-piece soft rock and jazz band, “soulRcoaster.” I sing everything from Etta James to Lady Gaga!”

“Home” by Sheryl Crow – My idol. I got to meet her at one of her concerts and tell her so!  This song speaks to me because there’s a message of finding solace in your life.

“Free” by the Zac Brown Band – It’s a beautiful tune and I hear Zac is a real down-to-earth, nice guy.

“Lost in You” by Michael Wainwright – I discovered him when he opened for ‘Tears For Fears.’ He blew me away.

Anne Leighton

53, Bronx, N.Y., Publicist and owner of Anne Leighton Media and Music Services. A former DJ and editor at HIT PARADER magazine.

“I combine publicity with career development.  So I do both media and industry relations. I reach out to media, fans, businesses, government, charity, and show business for my artists.  You never know how a career is going to grow.”

“(You Should Be) Doubly (Gratified)” by Mike Doughty — Infectuous. Mike fuses a lot of musical genres into his sound and does it well. His voice is flexible and warm. He loves to use word sounds, hooks, and the studio as an instrument.

“Beautiful Dream”  by Jann Klose —  The best pop song ever with a brilliant melodic hook that everyone relates to, “I don’t want to wake up from this beautiful dream.” The verses flow from one thought to another, kind of like an Escher graphic.

“No Fool No More” by Jessie Galante — I love the power and attitude of this one. It’s about making your own decisions and not falling for lines.

“Perfect Storm” by Susan Barth ––  I seem to admire songs about the lazy lifestyle.  Susan’s got a ’60s/Karen Carpenter style in her voice. This arrangement borrows a bit from the Beatles’ SGT PEPPER LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND.

Ruth Flowers A.K.A. Mamy Rock

69, Bristol, U.K.., Euro Club DJ

“…I’d rather sign a contract with a record company than sign up for the nursing home.”

“Still Rocking” (BasicSkack Remix) by Ruth Flowers (her own song) — I made it for the younger generation to dance to. It has a great guitar line which is a tribute to Queen and Freddy Mercury (my favorites).

“Something alla Mode” by Rondo Parisiano featuring Karl Lagerfeld — A cross between classical and electro-sound.

“Begging You For Mercy” by Duffy — “A great beat. I just love Duffy, she is different AND beautiful!”

“The Boy Does Nothing” by Alesha Dixon –Love it because it’ so true (men do nothing around the house)!

“Dance Wiv Me” by Dizzee Rascal — Very lively and great for dancing.

Valerie Day

50, Portland Oregon, Jazz/Pop Vocalist

“I’m currently singing with the NU SHOOZ Orchestra, a band I co-lead with my husband John. I also perform with a jazz quartet, big band and have produced a performance piece that I sing and act in called “Brain Chemistry For Lovers: Where The Art of Song Meets the Science of Love.”

“Overjoyed” by Esperanza Spalding — “A mighty force in a new generation of jazz musicians. In “Overjoyed” (which she played at the White House) she exudes such joy while masterfully playing upright bass and singing.”

“Nothing Runs As Deep As You” by Marv and Rindy Ross — “It’s one of my favorites on their record. It is beautifully and hauntingly sung by Rindy; a gorgeous piece of work that shows what happens when talent and many years of musical experience come together.”

“Jammin’” as recorded by Elaine Elias
— “This song helps me get my groove on when I’m having a hard time getting going. Originally written by Bob Marley, Elaine Elias’s dance party rendition is full of blazing and brilliant piano solos. Her Brazilian accent adds a wonderful vibe to the track.”

Holly George-Warren

53, Phoenicia, N.Y.,  Award-winning writer, editor, Grammy-nominated producer, and music consultant. Her projects include Shake, Rattle & Roll: The Founders of Rock & Roll (Houghton Mifflin, 2001) and two editions of The Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll (Simon & Schuster)

“I’ve authored a dozen books. I’ve recent published ‘The Cowgirl Way’ and am currently working on a biography of the musician Alex Chilton which will be published by Viking in 2012.”

“Firecracker” by Frazey Ford –– “Love her unique voice with its distinctive trill and the song’s old-timey instrumentation.”

“Princess & the Frog” by The Jim Jones Revue — “These English rockers are fantastic live, which is captured by this kick-out-the-jams track.”

“Tomorrow is a Long Time” by Bob Dylan — “Hearing the young Dylan at his most fragile is a very emotional experience.”

“We Die and See Beauty Reign” by Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan –– “Their voices blend beautifully on this haunting duet — perfect for a rainy day.”

“If It Wasn’t for Bad” by Elton John & Leon Russell — It’s great to hear these two veteran piano-men sound reinvigorated on this catchy song with attitude.”

Win a CD compilation of all these recommended songs. To enter, comment below and answer: What song are you loving right now? (See all our past winners, here.)

0 Responses to “{Music} The Ultimate FOF Playlist”

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  3. kayMI says:

    I am so out of touch I did see Journey the other day on tv and that was great other then that I have no clue….lost and just got an Ipod as a gift so what to put on it…

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  4. Patrick says:

    “I would say keep on rocking!”

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  5. Sandy says:

    An oldie but goodie, Harold Arlen’s “Somewhere over the rainbow” BUT the version by Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole has particular significance lately.

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  6. Di says:

    So many wonderful songs here. I’ll be 60 in a few years and you can’t take the rock or the roll out of this gal!

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  7. Sunnymay says:

    Mercy by Duffy is the one I like for overall sound. I heard her when ColdPlay came to Cleveland in 2009; she opened for them and was great with the retro smooth style. Her voice is unique.

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  8. Cheryl says:

    Josh Ritter is fabulous. Get his greatest hit CD.

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  9. Zoe says:

    I LOVE so many artists, sounds, genres of music. Mulling around in here has introduced me to some new possibilities. Loved listening to Esperanaza Spalding and Mamy Rock.

    Of course there are other artists I simply adore — Donna Summer, Boz Scaggs, Cake, Lady Gaga, Annie Lennox, Sarah Brightman, Enigma, Enya, Laura Nyro…and the list goes on!

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  10. Kris says:

    Anything by Janis Ian (Seventeen), and always Andrea Boccelli (The Prayer with Celine Dion)!

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  11. Jodi Gradolph says:

    I love listening to Kate Bush’s Aerial. It is very soothing after a hectic day of retail.

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  12. hofken says:

    The musician every FOF should know about is Elton John

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    • Satoshi says:

      I guess any giveaway that would renimd us of you.. :)Anything comes from the heart will be highly appreciated.. Hihi I would definitely join and hope to win **crossed finger

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  13. rose burns says:

    lately i have been listening to old LP’s of Broadway musicals. Then again, I have been listening to Coldplay too!

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  14. Ginger McLendon says:

    Josh Groban’s music is wonderful, and I especially enjoy ‘The Prayer’ done by him and Charlotte Church.

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  15. Tricia Douglas says:

    Any kind of music soothes the beast in me. I’m still of the “oldies” crowd, but if it’s music, I’ll listen.

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  16. Debbie Ny says:

    It is hard to pick because of all the wonderful doo wop sounds to suit every occasion and mood. But the best of Etta James has to top the charts. What a saltery songtress!

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  17. Beth Lowe says:

    I like all types of music. Some of my favs are U2, Dave Matthews and Nickelback.

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  18. Dawn says:

    Thanks for the suggestion

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  19. Cheryl says:

    Alison Krouse is one of my favorites, as well as Michael Buble

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  20. Linda says:

    I really love to listen to Fernando Ortega, a Christian singer with a great folky voice.

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  21. Ellen says:

    I really like the choices or recommendations and the CD sounds like it will be terrific, but I really love the Voice, Frank Sinatra and also Rod Stewart. I would love to win this compilation – great for long drives.

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  22. Kim says:

    I love the new album by Santana, Guitar Heaven. He does remixes of some of rocks best songs. His spin on these songs is absolutely fantastic!!! Everybody needs to hear them and I know will love them!!!!

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  23. sherie says:

    rod stewart is great! maggie may is one of his greatest hits. just been listening to his new albums that just came out….fabulous!!!! brings lots of memories of gooood times!

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  24. sherie says:

    what a playlist on this site!! i went through all the videos and had a good time listening to them all! i just love music…it takes me places i’ve never been and very familar places at the same time! it can change your mood or enhance it! its just way too cool to not have in your life. rock and roll for ever!!

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  25. Lynn says:

    Anything by Josh Groban!

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  26. debbie geist says:

    Today it is Candy Coburns “Pink Warrior” as I just finished the 3day 60 mile walk for Susan G Komen in Dallas and heard her sing it live last weekend. I love songs that move me and love lots of different artists. Great playlist!!

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  27. Nan says:

    Got to admit, I didn’t know who Michael was then I heard him…NOW you can say I’m a BIG fan!
    MICHAEL BUBLE

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  28. Nan says:

    Got to admit, I didn’t know who Michael was then I heard him…NOW you can say I’m a BIG fan!

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  29. catherine says:

    I love Damien Rice

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  30. Sheila says:

    Jude Johnstone- Beautiful voice, beautiful songs, range of styles.

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  31. cyndi says:

    Morgan McPherson, a young singer writer from Greensboro, NC who sings at Starbucks in Greensboro, NC on Friday nights on 4016 Battleground Avenue. She is soulful and deep.

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  32. Darinda says:

    Allison Krauss is one of my all time faves. The album she did with Robert Plant, Raising Sand, is one I listen to often.
    Sarah MacLachlan is also another favorite.

    So much music to choose from… I find new and interesting music every day via Pandora.

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  33. Margarida says:

    I absolutely love every Rod Stewart song, and believe we should all know about him. My favourite Rod Stewart song is “Maggie May”!

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  34. Marilyn Montague says:

    I love Alison Krauss she has the most beautiful voice I’ve ever heard.

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  35. butterfly42blue says:

    What an amazingly eclectic collection of sounds. Jack Johnson and Michael Franti have been tapping my toe lately along with Dave Matthews and Nora Jones. LOVE Nora’s new style. There’s some other new music out there that’s pretty sweet. Keep it coming all you talented guys and gals. Enjoy the day.

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  36. Carol Langstaff says:

    Where’s Meat Loaf?!!!

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  37. Nancy says:

    Anything Frank Sinatra.

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  38. Karen S says:

    Anything by Elton John is a joy. He’s a wonderful singer and a tremendous musician. I’ve seen him perform live several times and I am truly amazed at his ability to play almost any and all musical instruments. His is a performer that is truly a star and I love watching him in action on the stage. He gives a performance that is incredible because not only does his passion for singing come out, but his exceptional love of playing many different musical instruments actually illuminates the stage like the stars in the sky.

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  39. Judy Labins says:

    Kasey Chambers- “The Captain”…haunting – I cry everytime I hear it.

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  40. Kathy Pearlman says:

    I stick with things from the past – today’s music is just a rehash of the fifties and sixties but mangled terribly. The songs that keep going through my head lately are John Lennon’s – from the Double Fantasy album. In particular, Watching the Wheels and Starting Over.

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  41. Jennifer Rutsky says:

    Dave Matthews Band – such timeless music and so many songs for every mood. Reminds me of a better Joe Cocker.

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  42. Frances Kranik says:

    I LOVE Allison Krause – she has the voice of an angel!

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  43. Jeaneen Richard says:

    The song I’m loving right now is “Amazing Grace”.

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  44. Linda McCoy says:

    “Bring on the Wonder” Sarah McLachlan Laws of Illusion CD.

    “Mandalay” Leon Russell and Elton John, CD The Union

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  45. admin says:

    Thanks for the fab music suggestions ladies!

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  46. Anne Leighton says:

    Hey Sheri,

    I’ll be listening. I think we could also do a radio show together–the group of us. I’m enjoying Valerie’s Esperanza Spalding. And I’m a fan of some of the songs folks offered here.

    I want to just offer full disclosure that I work with two of the singers (Jann and Jessie) mentioned in my post. (But I wouldn’t work with them if I weren’t a fan!)

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  47. Sheri Nadelman says:

    I’m thinking we could have one amazing jam session with the Fabulous Ladies! There certainly is rock and roll after 50!! Hooray for Us!

    Sheri Nadelman

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