Greg Mitchell is the author of more than a dozen books and now writer/director of three award-winning films aired via PBS, including “Atomic Cover-up” and “Memorial Day Massacre.” Now watch trailer for acclaimed 2025 film “The Atomic Bowl.” Before all that, he was a longtime editor of the legendary Crawdaddy. At Blue Sky and Twitter: as @gregmitch. You can still subscribe to this newsletter for FREE. Sustain this newsletter by ordering one of his books.
It was 49 years ago today when Lorne Michaels offered $3000 on air at “SNL” for The Beatles to reunite that night. Paul happened to be visiting John at the Dakota and watching and considered rushing to the studio but then, reportedly, they realized it was late and they were tired. George did appear on the show a few weeks later….
We also mark the 63rd anniversary of the release of Bob Dylan appearing on his first recording —playing harmonica behind Harry Belafonte on the title track of what would become a hit album, “Midnight Special.” (His first session ever was with Carolyn Hester but her album had not yet come out.) Here from one of the takes with Harry:
A little more up to date: Mary Chapin Carpenter, so terrific and popular about 30 years back, has kept at it with lower visibility for some time but now has a new album coming in June and a tour. Here is fine song from that album:
And a reminder that she helped bring Lucinda Williams to prominence with her hit cover of “Passionate Kisses.” Lucinda’s version a few years later:
Since the Trump horror show got its re-boot in January, and Democrats in Congress and activists found it hard to counter in real time, the best hope always seemed to be slow but steady erosion in public approval which might check his worst excesses (or, on the other hand, cause him to go full fascist). Yesterday, media across the spectrum reported serious drops in Trump approval and personal economic outlook (and for several specific policies).
For example, Brett Baier at lapdog Fox: “If you look at our new Fox News poll at 100 days job approval compared to other presidents, there you see the president at 44% and you see his first term at 45% at this mark the 100 day mark.” This was lowest ever for any President at this point. The New York Times average of respected polls hit about the same level, and then this from Pew:
And a headline here:
Trump Rewards Top Meme Coin Investors With Access at Private Dinner
The meme coin’s price surged more than 50 percent after the announcement on Wednesday
Drawing Conclusions
Ann Telnaes:
Thank you Greg! I always look forward to your posts.
You are #1 on my Substack reads.
I am a huge Mary C. C. Fan and her new song is excellent.
We need more Bob Dylan today!