Latest news with #WichitaLineman
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Legendary Singer-Songwriter, 78, Plays What Bob Dylan Called the 'Best Song Ever Written' in 'Brilliant' New Video
Legendary Singer-Songwriter, 78, Plays What Bob Dylan Called the 'Best Song Ever Written' in 'Brilliant' New Video originally appeared on Parade. When it comes to staying power, few songs in contemporary music history stack up to "Wichita Lineman." Written by iconic songwriter Jimmy Webb for country singer Glen Campbell in 1968, the chart-topping tune has been covered by many other legendary artists in the years since (from Johnny Cash to James Taylor to Smokey Robinson and more) and countless others — like Bob Dylan — consider it one of the best songs of all time. In a video shared to TikTok this week, Webb, 78, demonstrated how to play "Wichita Lineman" on the piano, explaining the various chord progressions and occasionally singing along. "Bob Dylan once called this the 'greatest song ever written,'" the caption read. Commenters were quick to agree with the "Like a Rolling Stone" singer, with one writing, "Bob Dylan was right!" "Just brilliant. One of the most moving songs of all time. So much longing and regret," added a second fan. "A great and beautiful song. Genius," someone else commented, with another chiming in to say, "This may be my favorite song ever." Dylan gave his oft-quoted opinion on the classic track via the cover of Dylan Jones' Wichita Lineman: Searching in the Sun for the World's Greatest Unfinished Song, as American Songwriter reported. In 2020, Webb spoke to the same outlet about another famous musician's take on the tune, saying, 'Billy Joel came pretty close one time when he said 'Wichita Lineman is a simple song about an ordinary man thinking extraordinary thoughts'. That got to me; it actually brought tears to my eyes. I had never really told anybody how close to the truth that was.'Legendary Singer-Songwriter, 78, Plays What Bob Dylan Called the 'Best Song Ever Written' in 'Brilliant' New Video first appeared on Parade on Jul 3, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Irish Independent
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘It's been a privilege' – RTÉ's Joe Duffy signs off Liveline for a final time after 27 years
In early May, RTÉ's highest-paid broadcaster announced he would be leaving after 27 years RTÉ broadcaster Joe Duffy celebrated his retirement at a private party with family and friends at The Duke pub in Dublin city centre last night [Friday], after signing off Liveline for the final time yesterday afternoon. After hanging up his mic after 27 years at the helm of the flagship show, RTÉ's highest-paid broadcaster celebrated his final show in the watering hole at Duke Street, where he often hosted Christmas Eve Liveline specials. Signing off on his final show on RTÉ Radio One yesterday, which he has hosted since 1998, he reminded listeners that the liveline "stays open", and said: "Slán go foill. That's all from me from Liveline. Love you all, it's been a privilege. It's been a privilege." There was an audience present in RTÉ Studio 1 for his final Liveline, including past callers and former colleagues. Fellow broadcaster Shay Byrne presented Duffy with a letter written by President Michael D Higgins, who wished him "every happiness" in the next chapter of his life following a "long and remarkable career". He offered his "warmest of thanks on behalf of the Irish people " for Duffy's "remarkable contribution to Irish life", which showed an ongoing commitment to justice, equality and giving a "voice to those on the margins and creating the space where silence could be broken and solidarity could be expressed". Mr Higgins praised the broadcaster for his "rare empathy" and "commitment to the dignity of each individual life" throughout his work and through his "refusal to let forgotten voices go unheard". The Camembert Quartet and Paul Harrington performed the song 'Wichita Lineman' to close out Duffy's final episode of Liveline. RTÉ's Philip Boucher-Hayes will fill in on the show next week, but no permanent replacement has yet been announced. At the beginning of the show, Duffy said: "I was not allowed in the studio until about two minutes before," walking into the room to see many "familiar faces". Taoiseach Micheál Martin called in to thank Duffy for giving the public a voice, spoke about their friendship and his kindness after the death of his daughter. ADVERTISEMENT 'Thank you sincerely, you are and were the voice of the people. You were authentic. You gave the people a platform,' he said. "I can remember many a civil servant coming into me in the afternoon saying 'Liveline has gone mad'." He added: "Your personal acts of kindness have always been quite extraordinary and something that has touched our family quite a lot." During a day of crab-fishing in Co Cork, Duffy took a number of photos of Mr Martin holding his daughter Léana in his arms. He sent them to the family after her death, aged 7, in 2010. "That's something Mary and I have always treasured," said Mr Martin. Former Liveline caller Caroline Davis travelled from Tullow, Co Carlow to say thank you to the broadcaster for his contribution to restoring the BreastCare Allowance after she appeared on the programme. "That is the real Joe Duffy, looking after the ordinary people in Dublin," added musician Brush Shields. A special edition of Callan's Kicks was played, where comedian Oliver Callan did an impression of Duffy speaking to Callan's versions of Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary, former taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Trump, Michael D Higgins, Bono, Tyson Fury and Katie Hannon, who is the rumoured frontrunner to take over the programme. While Duffy praised the comedian's impressions, he said: "He still hasn't got the hang of me, has he?" In 2021, a woman named Sallyanne sent a "powerful" email to Liveline about her experience of menopause. "I remember that I was shocked that somebody was listening to me. Joe listened to me and nobody else had," she said, adding that Duffy has since "changed the landscape" for Irish women by facilitating the conversation. There were a series of musical tributes to Duffy during the programme performed by the Dublin Fire Brigade Pipe Band, Paul Harrington and Paddy Cullivan. Meanwhile, Duffy has played down rumours that he will launch a presidential bid. He will host the show, which he has fronted since 1998, for the final time this afternoon. Despite speculation that the veteran broadcaster would be well-placed to enter the race to succeed President Michael D Higgins later this year, Duffy said he has not been asked to run. Speaking to RTÉ's Morning Ireland, the Liveline host said: "Ah no, I could see the Áras from Claddagh Green [in Ballyfermot], I'd say that's the closest I'll ever get to it.' Asked whether he has been approached about mounting a presidential bid, he said: 'Ah no, I haven't. No, I haven't. "And even if… I'm still a part of RTÉ until Monday, effectively, and if I say…if I had... Anyway, no, I will not lose the run of myself. I will not lose the run of myself. "There's some great, great names that have been mentioned so far.' Tánaiste Simon Harris is among those paying tribute to the presenter ahead of his last show today today, describing it as 'the end of an era'. In a letter to the veteran broadcaster, he said: 'I know today is a day of mixed emotions for you and your family as it marks the end of one chapter and the start of a new one. 'I know I can speak for many of us when I say you will be sorely missed.' He said Duffy has served as 'a friend, a therapist, an advocate, and a voice for many people across the country every lunchtime' and hopes he knows the impact his work has had. 'I will 'Talk to Joe' has become a phrase used by many in times by people across the country when at their lowest or in the most trying of circumstances.' The broadcaster reflected on some of the major issues covered on the show while he was at the helm, including how it contributed to the closure of "head shops' in 2010. "The head shop campaign was the only time – out of all the things we've done over the years thanks to the listeners – that I was physically threatened,' he said. Earlier this morning speaking to Morning Ireland, Duffy said he was threatened twice – once in an underground car park and another on the street when he was 'spat at'. He said it was an issue he was 'very passionate about' and while he couldn't go to the protests, he "painted every single placard" for an event held in Clontarf. "It's the voices on Liveline. The less I talk the better, I find. It's the voices of the callers and it's a privilege.' He said his career in RTÉ started 'almost accidentally' as he was working as a probation officer with the hopes of becoming a producer when he became a reporter for Gay Byrne's programme. Duffy said he received a number of letters in the early days of being on air for his Ballyfermot accent, but that Byrne was 'such a supporter'. "He was very private. And we bounced off each other. He used to give out to me when he retired, he used to text me on Liveline, giving out to me.' He added that Byrne was 'so intense' on the idea that it was the public that 'pay our wages'. Byrne told him: "People trust us, keep it that way. Stop on the street if people want to chat to you, what's the big deal? Just stop, enjoy." 'And I do – I do like meeting people and I do like being on the Luas and talking to people, and being on the 130 and talking to people,' Duffy added. Duffy said he made a habit of sending cards to those who called in to the show to thank them, describing it as 'a joy'. During yesterday's show, listeners were calling to say goodbye to him and wish him a good retirement, while the presenter teased today's programme and described it as "special". "I know nothing about it. I will be here, and I hope you will join us," he said. Speaking during the show in May, when he announced he would retire at the end of June, he said: "After 37 wonderful years here in RTÉ, and 27 years presenting Liveline, it has been an incredible honour and privilege to be part of a programme that relied entirely on trust: the trust of our listeners. "People felt they could pick up the phone, ring Liveline, and share their lives, problems, stories – sad, bad, sometimes mad and funny, their struggles, and their victories. "I never took that for granted, not for a single minute. RTÉ has been a great place to work. Public service has always been at its heart. And now, after many happy years, I've decided the time has come to move on. "I would like to thank you the listener for tuning in each and every day. It has been an honour to sit in this seat and hear your stories.' Born in January 1956, in Mountjoy Square, Dublin, and raised in Ballyfermot, Duffy originally pursued social work at Trinity College Dublin (TCD). He became one of the first from his area to go to TCD and was actively involved in student politics and went on to serve as President of the Union of Students in Ireland. He led protests on campus, highlighting access to education, and spent two weeks in Mountjoy Prison as a result. After working in the probation service, he joined RTÉ as a radio producer in 1989 and made his name on The Gay Byrne Show. He presented programmes like Soundbyte before taking over Liveline in 1998. In his 27 years in the Liveline hot seat, both Duffy and the programme itself have become national institutions, with the programme frequently attracting 400,000 listeners. RTÉ Radio One's flagship phone-in show will now welcome a new host, with Katie Hannon tipped to take over from Duffy, who she has regularly filled in for in recent years. The speculations increased after it was announced on Tuesday that the Upfront with Katie Hannon TV show will not return in September, possibly paving the way for her to take over the Liveline gig. It is understood that a stand-in presenter will host the show on Monday, with the permanent successor being announced over the summer.
Irish Independent
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘It's been a privilege' – RTÉ's Joe Duffy signs off Liveline for a final time after 37 years
There was an audience present in RTÉ Studio 1 for his final show, including past callers and former colleagues. Signing off on his final show, he reminded listeners that the liveline "stays open", Duffy said: "Slán go foill. That's all from me from Liveline. Love you all, it's been a privilege. It's been a privilege." Fellow broadcaster Shay Byrne presented Duffy with a letter written by President Michael D Higgins, who wished him "every happiness" in the next chapter of his life following a "long and remarkable career". He offered his "warmest of thanks on behalf of the Irish people " for Duffy's "remarkable contribution to Irish life", which showed an ongoing commitment to justice, equality and giving a "voice to those on the margins and creating the space where silence could be broken and solidarity could be expressed". Mr Higgins praised the broadcaster for his "rare empathy" and "commitment to the dignity of each individual life" throughout his work and through his "refusal to let forgotten voices go unheard". The Camembert Quartet and Paul Harrington performed the song 'Wichita Lineman' to close out Duffy's final episode of Liveline. RTÉ's Philip Boucher-Hayes will fill in on the show next week, but no permanent replacement has yet been announced. At the beginning of the show, Duffy said: "I was not allowed in the studio until about two minutes before," walking into the room to see many "familiar faces". Taoiseach Micheál Martin called in to thank Duffy for giving the public a voice, spoke about their friendship and his kindness after the death of his daughter. 'Thank you sincerely, you are and were the voice of the people. You were authentic. You gave the people a platform,' he said. ADVERTISEMENT "I can remember many a civil servant coming into me in the afternoon saying 'Liveline has gone mad'." He added: "Your personal acts of kindness have always been quite extraordinary and something that has touched our family quite a lot." During a day of crab-fishing in Co Cork, Duffy took a number of photos of Mr Martin holding his daughter Léana in his arms. He sent them to the family after her death, aged 7, in 2010. "That's something Mary and I have always treasured," said Mr Martin. Former Liveline caller Caroline Davis travelled from Tullow, Co Carlow to say thank you to the broadcaster for his contribution to restoring the BreastCare Allowance after she appeared on the programme. "That is the real Joe Duffy, looking after the ordinary people in Dublin," added musician Brush Shields. A special edition of Callan's Kicks was played, where comedian Oliver Callan did an impression of Duffy speaking to Callan's versions of Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary, former taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Trump, Michael D Higgins, Bono, Tyson Fury and Katie Hannon, who is the rumoured frontrunner to take over the programme. While Duffy praised the comedian's impressions, he said: "He still hasn't got the hang of me, has he?" In 2021, a woman named Sallyanne sent a "powerful" email to Liveline about her experience of menopause. "I remember that I was shocked that somebody was listening to me. Joe listened to me and nobody else had," she said, adding that Duffy has since "changed the landscape" for Irish women by facilitating the conversation. There were a series of musical tributes to Duffy during the programme performed by the Dublin Fire Brigade Pipe Band, Paul Harrington and Paddy Cullivan. Meanwhile, Duffy has played down rumours that he will launch a presidential bid. He will host the show, which he has fronted since 1998, for the final time this afternoon. Despite speculation that the veteran broadcaster would be well-placed to enter the race to succeed President Michael D Higgins later this year, Duffy said he has not been asked to run. Speaking to RTÉ's Morning Ireland, the Liveline host said: "Ah no, I could see the Áras from Claddagh Green [in Ballyfermot], I'd say that's the closest I'll ever get to it.' Asked whether he has been approached about mounting a presidential bid, he said: 'Ah no, I haven't. No, I haven't. "And even if… I'm still a part of RTÉ until Monday, effectively, and if I say…if I had... Anyway, no, I will not lose the run of myself. I will not lose the run of myself. "There's some great, great names that have been mentioned so far.' Tánaiste Simon Harris is among those paying tribute to the presenter ahead of his last show today today, describing it as 'the end of an era'. In a letter to the veteran broadcaster, he said: 'I know today is a day of mixed emotions for you and your family as it marks the end of one chapter and the start of a new one. 'I know I can speak for many of us when I say you will be sorely missed.' He said Duffy has served as 'a friend, a therapist, an advocate, and a voice for many people across the country every lunchtime' and hopes he knows the impact his work has had. 'I will 'Talk to Joe' has become a phrase used by many in times by people across the country when at their lowest or in the most trying of circumstances.' The broadcaster reflected on some of the major issues covered on the show while he was at the helm, including how it contributed to the closure of "head shops' in 2010. "The head shop campaign was the only time – out of all the things we've done over the years thanks to the listeners – that I was physically threatened,' he said. Earlier this morning speaking to Morning Ireland, Duffy said he was threatened twice – once in an underground car park and another on the street when he was 'spat at'. He said it was an issue he was 'very passionate about' and while he couldn't go to the protests, he "painted every single placard" for an event held in Clontarf. "It's the voices on Liveline. The less I talk the better, I find. It's the voices of the callers and it's a privilege.' He said his career in RTÉ started 'almost accidentally' as he was working as a probation officer with the hopes of becoming a producer when he became a reporter for Gay Byrne's programme. Duffy said he received a number of letters in the early days of being on air for his Ballyfermot accent, but that Byrne was 'such a supporter'. "He was very private. And we bounced off each other. He used to give out to me when he retired, he used to text me on Liveline, giving out to me.' He added that Byrne was 'so intense' on the idea that it was the public that 'pay our wages'. Byrne told him: "People trust us, keep it that way. Stop on the street if people want to chat to you, what's the big deal? Just stop, enjoy." 'And I do – I do like meeting people and I do like being on the Luas and talking to people, and being on the 130 and talking to people,' Duffy added. Duffy said he made a habit of sending cards to those who called in to the show to thank them, describing it as 'a joy'. During yesterday's show, listeners were calling to say goodbye to him and wish him a good retirement, while the presenter teased today's programme and described it as "special". "I know nothing about it. I will be here, and I hope you will join us," he said. Speaking during the show in May, when he announced he would retire at the end of June, he said: "After 37 wonderful years here in RTÉ, and 27 years presenting Liveline, it has been an incredible honour and privilege to be part of a programme that relied entirely on trust: the trust of our listeners. "People felt they could pick up the phone, ring Liveline, and share their lives, problems, stories – sad, bad, sometimes mad and funny, their struggles, and their victories. "I never took that for granted, not for a single minute. RTÉ has been a great place to work. Public service has always been at its heart. And now, after many happy years, I've decided the time has come to move on. "I would like to thank you the listener for tuning in each and every day. It has been an honour to sit in this seat and hear your stories.' Born in January 1956, in Mountjoy Square, Dublin, and raised in Ballyfermot, Duffy originally pursued social work at Trinity College Dublin (TCD). He became one of the first from his area to go to TCD and was actively involved in student politics and went on to serve as President of the Union of Students in Ireland. He led protests on campus, highlighting access to education, and spent two weeks in Mountjoy Prison as a result. After working in the probation service, he joined RTÉ as a radio producer in 1989 and made his name on The Gay Byrne Show. He presented programmes like Soundbyte before taking over Liveline in 1998. In his 27 years in the Liveline hot seat, both Duffy and the programme itself have become national institutions, with the programme frequently attracting 400,000 listeners. RTÉ Radio One's flagship phone-in show will now welcome a new host, with Katie Hannon tipped to take over from Duffy, who she has regularly filled in for in recent years. The speculations increased after it was announced on Tuesday that the Upfront with Katie Hannon TV show will not return in September, possibly paving the way for her to take over the Liveline gig. It is understood that a stand-in presenter will host the show on Monday, with the permanent successor being announced over the summer.
Daily Mirror
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I worked with Billy Joel and he is adamant about one thing in his future'
EXCLUSIVE: A music producer who worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Johnny Mathis and Billy Ray Cyrus, has claimed Billy Joel has an 'adamant' opinion on his next move Billy Joel has had a prestigious career spanning over five decades, and one man who previously worked with him has claimed to know his next move. While the Piano Man singer, 75, continues to tour and showcase his iconic tunes, pal and fellow musician Fred Mollin isn't so sure he'll be releasing any new tunes. Billy last released a new song, titled Turn the Lights Back On, on February 1, 2024. The track was his first new single since Christmas in Fallujah in 2007. But Fred, who co-produced Just Across the River with fellow Long Islander Billy, is convinced that will be his last. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Fred adamantly said: "He does not want to make another record." He then added: "If he did, I might get the call, but he's adamant he'll never make another record. "He doesn't write songs anymore. He writes musical pieces, he doesn't write songs anymore." He also explained how their bond began with their South Shore of Long Island connection. "He's a hometown hero to me and I've always loved his music," Fred said. "I was absolutely his biggest fan when his first albums came out and years later I was doing a duets album for Jimmy Webb. "I decided to do a duet of Wichita Lineman. I remember Jimmy saying it was Billy's favourite song and I said we'd have to do it with him and he said 'I'm there'. We got along famously," Fred added. Fred was speaking ahead of the release of his new book titled Unplugged in which he opens up on his career spanning over five decades. His biggest hit comes in the form of his co-production of Dan Hill's Sometimes When We Touch, and as well as working with Billy, Fred has worked alongside other huge stars such as Johnny Mathis, Kris Kristofferson and Billy Ray Cyrus. The Grammy nominated star has also been a part of the music set up for huge television and movie productions, including the Friday 13th series and Beverly Hills 90210. However, it was him time working with Disney on their popular Disney Lullaby albums that he is especially proud of. "I love doing music for children," he gushed. "It makes me happy, and I know it does some good. We had an idea to use Disney songs and other songs and make instrumental versions to put the baby to bed. "I have to tell you, it is probably one of the most successful records I've ever done. It's been out since 1999 and it's gone gold. It's also heading towards platinum and the streaming numbers are off the charts. He has since done another six similar albums and he added: "You know, it really has become this beautiful gift that I've been able to give. On some levels, I feel it's a beautiful gift to put a child to sleep and to calm down a child. I'm so proud of all of it. I really think it does good." Fred added: "The one thing I have to tell you is that me daughter is 38 and she has two kids of her own and she puts them to sleep with my lullaby albums, which I think is delightful. "However, her lullaby music when she was five or four, because her bedroom was directly above my basement studio when I was doing Friday 13th part seven, part eight. You name it, I was doing all these horror music that she heard as lullabies. She never had a problem with it I guess. "When I did the first lullaby album she must have been about 15 and she listened to it and just said 'good timing, dad."
