July 2025
Set List
1. 1812 Overture
2. We Didn't Start the Fire
3. Walking On the Fire
4. Wish I Knew You
5. My Own Way
6. Freewill
7. Everybody Have Fun Tonight
8. Firework
9. Happy
10. United States National Anthem
Thursday, July 31, 2025
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
5-4-3-2-1 : Adele
Best for last - Adele Laurie Blue Adkins
Genres considered - Pop, Soul, Blues, Jazz, R&B
5-4-3-2-1 : Adele 1
British icon
Honors -
16 Grammy Awards
12 Brit Awards
1 Academy Award
1 Primetime Emmy Award
1 Golden Globe Award
Over 120 million albums sold worldwide - one of the best-selling music artists
Full background - Wikipedia
Full Discography (in lieu of a top favorite) -
19
Debut album
Released in January 2008
2 Grammy Awards (including Best New Artist)
No. 1 in the UK ... Top 10 in the U.S.
Over 8.5 million copies sold worldwide
Over 2.5 million copies sold in the UK alone
All-time Charts -
- Irish Female Albums, No. 27
- UK Female Albums, No. 14
- U.S. Billboard 200, No. 80
Certifications -
- Gold in Finland & Mexico
- Platinum in Germany, Italy, Spain, & Switzerland
- 2x Platinum in Australia & Belgium
- 3x Platinum in Denmark & the Netherlands, the U.S.
- 4x Platinum in Canada & New Zealand
- 8x Platinum in the UK
21
Second album
Released in January 2011
Best-selling album of the 21st Century
Third best-selling album of all time
No. 1 on UK Albums Chart for 23 weeks - longest by a female solo artist
Best-performing Billboard 200 album of all time
Over 10 million copies sold in the U.S. alone
Over 31 million copies sold worldwide
1 Grammy Award
1 Brit Award
Listed in Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
All-time Charts -
- Irish Female Albums, No. 1
- UK Albums, No. 4
- U.S. Billboard 200, No. 1
- U.S. Billboard 200 (Women), No. 1
Certifications -
- Gold in Columbia, Iceland, Japan
- Platinum in Austria, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Norway, Russia
- 2x Platinum in Chile, Finland, Portugal
- 3x Platinum in Sweden
- 4x Platinum in Argentina, the Netherlands
- 5x Platinum in Spain
- 6x Platinum in Belgium
- 7x Platinum in Switzerland
- 8x Platinum in Germany
- 9x Platinum in Italy
- 11x Platinum in Denmark
- 14x Platinum in the U.S.
- 17x Platinum in Australia, New Zealand
- 18x Platinum in Ireland, the UK
- Diamond + 3x Platinum in Mexico
- 2x Diamond in Canada, Poland
- 3x Diamond in Brazil
25
Third album
Released in November 2015
Over 23.3 million copies sold worldwide
4th best-selling album of the 21st Century
1 Billboard Music Award
1 Brit Award
2 Grammy Awards
Certifications -
- Gold in Venezuela
- Platinum in Portugal
- 2x Platinum in Finland, South Africa, Sweden
- 3x Platinum in Austria, Spain
- 3x Platinum + Gold in Mexico
- 4x Platinum in Norway
- 5x Platinum in Hungary, Italy
- 6x Platinum in Germany, Switzerland
- 7x Platinum in Denmark
- 8x Platinum in Belgium
- 10x Platinum in Australia
- 11x Platinum in the U.S.
- 13x Platinum in the UK
- 15x Platinum in New Zealand
- Diamond in Brazil, Canada, Poland
30
Fourth album
Released in November 2021
6 Grammy Nominations
1 Brit Award*
*Brit Award for British Album of the Year!
!First solo artist in history to win this award three times
No. 1 in 25 countries
5.54 million copies sold worldwide
Certifications -
- Gold in Chile, Portugal
- Platinum in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland
- 2x Platinum in Brazil, Sweden
- 3x Platinum in Canada, France, 3x New Zealand, the UK, the U.S.
- 4x Platinum in Poland
Of the full discography, choosing one from a relatively brief list is not possible. Therefore, if I could choose a favorite song, I would opt for "Rumour Has It." (Of course, "Skyfall" will always rank at the top for me.)
"Rumour Has It"
No. 16 on Billboard Hot 100
No. 1 on Billboard Adult Album Alternative chart
Top 10 in Iceland and Israel
Over 2 million copies sold in the U.S. alone
Certifications -
- Gold in Australia, Italy, Mexico
- Platinum in Brazil, New Zealand, the UK
- 2x Platinum in the U.S.
- 3x Platinum in Canada
In conclusion to the July countdown, what began as a group of five men planning a musical future led to one woman defining her musical future. All those in between guaranteed success.
5-4-3-2-1 : Play it!
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Tune in to Hollywood
Ewan Gordon McGregor
Did you know?
Scottish actor
Early career - Leading role in the British series, Lipstick on Your Collar (1993)
Well known role - Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars prequel trilogy
Major Awards -
3 Golden Globe Nominations/1 Golden Globe Win
4 Primetime Emmy Nominations/1 Primetime Emmy Win
4 Screen Actors Guild Nominations
Audience Awards -
1 Kids' Choice Nomination
7 MTV Movie + TV Nominations/1 Win
1 Teen Choice Nomination
Critics Associations Awards -
Chicago Film Critics Association - Nomination
Critics Choice Television - Win
Detroit Film Critics Society - Nomination
Film Critics Circle Australia - Nomination
Seattle Film Critics - Nomination
St. Louis Film Critics Association - Win
Film Festival Awards -
Capri Hollywood International - Win
Hamburg - Nomination
Hollywood - 2 Wins
San Sebastian International - 1 Nomination/1 Win
International Awards -
Australian Film Institute - Nomination
BAFTA Scotland - 1 Nomination/2 Wins
British Independent - 1 Nomination/1 Win
European Film - 2 Wins
Irish Film and Television - Nomination
View full list here.
Other honors -
Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Did you know?
Ewan McGregor played the French Horn in his younger years.
Ewan McGregor's career spans beyond film and television to include theater. Alongside music, Ewan's career is impressively well-rounded.
With that said,
Who knew!
Monday, July 28, 2025
Sunday, July 27, 2025
Sunday Avon Promo - Jewelry Set
In the music industry, look to the score. In the fashion industry, look to the design. In pop culture then and now, look to the stars.
In this Avon Jewelry Set promo, I am looking to the stars that sparkle in pearl and onyx.
Boutique
Starlight Mother-of-Pearl and Onyx 3-Piece Set
Set - Necklace, Earrings, Bracelet
White mother-of-pearl & Black onyx
Goldtone
Necklace - 16 3/4" L w/ 3 1/2" Extender ... Lobster clasp
Earrings - Studs ... 1/2" L
Bracelet - 7 1/4" L w/ 1" Extender
Deep sale - $7.49 from $24.99 (Final)
Sunday Avon Promo - Apparel Set
Music, Fashion, Culture - Set List
Anything music defines Set List. Fashion accents music. Culture drives interest. Set List is an evolving result.
Let's go back to fashion...not couture but oh so comfy...as brought to you by Avon!
Saturday, July 26, 2025
Set List Recommended - Chris Stapleton Higher
Higher
Fifth album
Released in November 2023
Genres considered - Country, Blues Rock
Review Scores -
AllMusic - 3.5/5 Stars
American Songwriter - 4.5/Stars
Slant Magazine - 3/5 Stars
Track List -
1. What Am I Gonna Do
2. South Dakota
3. Trust
4. It Takes a Woman
5. The Fire
6. Think I'm in Love with You
7. Loving You on My Mind
8. White Horse
9. Higher
10. The Bottom
11. The Day I Die
12. Crosswind
13. Weight of Your World
14. Mountains of My Mind
Certified Gold in Canada, New Zealand, & the U.S.
Set List Recommended - Chris Stapleton Starting Over
Starting Over
Fourth album
Released in November 2020
No. 3 on Billboard 200
Country Music Association Award for Album of the Year
Academy of Country Music Award for Album of the Year
Grammy Award for Best Country Album
Review Scores -
AllMusic - 4/5 Stars
American Songwriter - 4/5 Stars
The Independent - 5/5 Stars
Rolling Stone - 3.5/Stars
Slant Magazine - 3/5 Stars
Track List -
1. Starting Over
2. Devil Always Made Me Think Twice
3. Cold
4. When I'm with You
5. Arkansas
6. Joy of My Life
7. Hillbilly Blood
8. Maggie's Song
9. Whiskey Sunrise
10. Worry B Gone
11. Old Friends
12. Watch You Burn
13. You Should Probably Leave
14. Nashville, TN
Certified Platinum in Canada, New Zealand, & the U.S.
Friday, July 25, 2025
All American Birthday Season
Verdine Adams White
b. July 25, 1951
American bassist
Founding member of Earth, Wind & Fire
Genres considered - R&B, Funk, Soul, Jazz Fusion
Earth, Wind & Fire Discography
Over 50 Gold & Platinum certifications
Over 90 million albums sold worldwide
Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
NAACP Hall of Fame Image Award (1994)
Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2000)
BET Lifetime Achievement Award (2002)
ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award (2002)
Inducted into Hollywood's RockWalk (2003)
Inducted into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame (2003)
Lifetime Achievement Award by Bass Player magazine (2008)
Honorary Doctorate in the arts from Columbia College (Chicago, 2008)
Songwriters Hall of Fame (2010)
Beacon of Change Award (2012)
Inducted into The Soul Music Hall of Fame (2016)
Kennedy Center Honors (2019)
9 Grammy Awards including Lifetime Achievement (2016) & "Shining Star" Grammy Hall of Fame (2008)
4 American Music Awards
No. 19 on Rolling Stone's The 50 Greatest Bassists of All Time
Earth, Wind & Fire was formed in Chicago, Illinois. Verdine White was born in Chicago. All American indeed.
On this Friday in America's birth month, all American in music is the theme.
With that said,
Happy Birthday, Verdine White
Thursday, July 24, 2025
Friday Birthday Eve
Jennifer Lynn Lopez
b. July 24, 1969
American singer, songwriter, actress, dancer, & businesswoman
Noted for breaking barriers for Latino Americans in Hollywood
Noted for impact on pop culture through fashion, branding, & changing mainstream beauty standards
In 2001, Jennifer Lopez became the first woman to have a No. 1 album (J. Lo) & No. 1 film (The Wedding Planner) at the same time in the United States.
Over 80 million records sold worldwide
Films grossed over $3.1 billion
Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Billboard Icon Award
3 American Music Awards
4 MTV Video Music Awards
6 Guinness World Records
Among the 100 most influential people in the world (Time, 2018)
Among the World's 100 Most Powerful Women (Forbes, 2012)
One of the most-followed people on Instagram
Business ownership -
Lifestyle brand
Beauty & fashion lines
Fragrances
Production company
Charitable foundation
Eve Birthday Season on Set List is inspired by the eve of the 4th of July. The last day of July falls on a Thursday. Therefore, this entry concludes Friday Birthday Eve...and J. Lo is the way to go!
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Remembering Ozzy Osbourne
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne
"Prince of Darkness"
December 3, 1948 - July 22, 2025
Influential in the development of heavy metal music
Successful solo career
After being let go from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to dangerously severe drug and alcohol addiction, Ozzy Osbourne reunited with the band in 1997 to record their final album - 13 - and embark on a farewell tour.
Ozzy was not born into upper crust society. He came from a working class and humble family. In perspective - a two bedroom home for two parents and six children.
Ozzy's early background did not help his cause. He was sexually abused by school bullies. He attempted suicide several times. He dropped out of school to find any work. He was convicted of robbing a clothing store when he was 17 years old and spent six weeks in prison when his father refused to pay his fine.
His discovery of and love for The Beatles helped him through and allowed him to find hope in his desires.
Ozzy Osbourne has sold over 100 million records both solo and as a member of Black Sabbath.
As a solo artist and with Black Sabbath, Ozzy was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005.
Ozzy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Black Sabbath in 2006.
Ozzy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 2024.
Honors -
Ozzy has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a star on the Birmingham Walk of Stars.
Ozzy received a Grammy Award in 1994 for Best Male Performance - "I Don't Want to Change the World."
Ozzy was recognized at the 2007 VH1 Rock Honors along with Genesis, Heart, and ZZ Top.
Ozzy was presented with the Living Legend award by Slash in the Classic Rock Roll of Honor Awards in 2008.
Ozzy Osbourne received the Global Icon Award at the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards ceremony.
Ozzy was the recipient of the Ivor Novello Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2015.
I Am Ozzy is his memoir, reaching No. 2 on the New York Times' hardcover non-fiction best-seller list. This is a remarkable honor given dealing with dyslexia as a child.
He served as a judge for the 6th, 10th, and 11th Independent Music Awards to support independent musicians.
He became a reality television star with the programs -
Ozzy Osbourne faced life lessons in his early years, grew up with humble reality, and worked hard to achieve a hope into a realized dream.
I am not familiar with Black Sabbath but I do not mind "Crazy Train" and, in personal honesty, am a fan of The Osbournes Want to Believe.
You may be known as the prince of darkness, but I know you will shine as you play it from Heaven.
Rest in peace, Ozzy.
You will be missed.
5-4-3-2-1 : Tears for Fears
And then there were two.
Curt Smith & Roland Orzabal
Genres considered - New Wave, Pop Rock, Synth Pop
5-4-3-2-1 : Tears for Fears 2
My favorite album
Of the full discography, my best choice is Songs from the Big Chair.
Second album
Released in February 1985
No. 2 in the UK
No. 1 in the U.S.
Most successful album to date
Hit singles -
"Shout" & "Everybody Wants to Rule the World"
- No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100
- Top 5 on UK Singles Chart
"Head Over Heels," "Mothers Talk," & "I Believe"
- International success
Noted as one of the best albums of the 1980s
No. 1 on Billboard 200
5 million copies sold in the U.S. alone
Review Scores -
AllMusic - 4.5/5 Stars
The Guardian - 3/5 Stars
Mojo - 4/5 Stars
Pitchfork - 8.9/10
Q - 4/5 Stars
Record Mirror - 3.5/5 Stars
Smash Hits - 8/10
The Village Voice - B
Track List -
Side One -
1. Shout
2. The Working Hour
3. Everybody Wants to Rule the World
4. Mothers Talk
Side Two -
1. I Believe
2. Broken
3. Head Over Heels/Broken (Live)
4. Listen
Certified Gold in France & Germany
Certified Platinum in Hong Kong, the Netherlands, & New Zealand
Certified 3x Platinum in the UK
Certified 5x Platinum in the U.S.
Certified 7x Platinum in Canada
I was very young when Songs from he Big Chair was released. I was old enough, though, to recognize the joy from one particular song - "Everybody Wants to Rule the World." As I grew older, "Shout" and "Head Over Heels" have struck great interest with "Shout" being a personal anthem. Songs from the Big Chair is a forever favorite by Tears for Fears.
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