Old Music Friday
Old Music Friday
The Instagram algorithm got one right this year. It introduced me to Owen Cutts and his Friday reels: “OLD MUSIC FRIDAY!!”
- What it is: Weekly reels spotlighting artists of old — ones you’ve forgotten or never knew.
- Why it works: Cutts is wildly expressive and knows his stuff. Every reel teaches you something about songwriting, performance, or backstory while being genuinely entertaining.
- Where to listen: Apple Music or Spotify
Mr. Cutts, I salute you. I look forward to you every Friday morning when I open IG.
My Highlights and Surprises
- Les Fleurs — Minnie Riperton. I remember “Loving You” but never heard this one. The chorus and the build to it are amazing.
- Stay with Me — Lorraine Ellison. The power of her voice.
- Jealous Guy — Donny Hathaway. A live, soulful cover of John Lennon’s song. His piano accompaniment drives the whole thing.
- Don’t You Know — Della Reese. The biggest surprise. I knew her from “Touched by an Angel” and “Chico and the Man.” Knew nothing of her music.
- Reach Out, I’ll Be There — The Four Tops. The “Rah!” See Owen’s reel for more on this.
- War — Edwin Starr. Probably first heard this through Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker in Rush Hour movies. Edwin’s vocals, The Originals on background, and The Funk Brothers on instruments!
- Midnight Train to Georgia — Gladys Knight and the Pips. Her voice is great, but the Pips make the song. Their harmonies, their response to her calls. “Woo-Woo!!” I remember hearing this song as a kid, but it is so much better today.
The OMF List:
| Song | Artist | Link | Post Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| What A Difference A Day Made | Dinah Washington | video | Oct 3, 2025 |
| Les Fleurs | Minnie Riperton | video | Oct 10, 2025 |
| Stay with Me | Lorraine Ellison | video | Oct 17, 2025 |
| The Great Gig In the Sky | Pink Floyd | video | Oct 24, 2025 |
| I’ve Got a Need for You | David Ruffin | video | Oct 31, 2025 |
| Sparkle | Aretha Franklin | video | Nov 7, 2025 |
| Shake a Tail Feather | Ray Charles | video | Nov 14, 2025 |
| Stand on the Word | The Joubert Singers | video | Nov 21, 2025 |
| Jealous Guy | Donny Hathaway | video | Nov 28, 2025 |
| You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me | Dusty Springfield | IG link | Dec 5, 2025 |
| Ready or Not Here I Come | The Delfonics | video | Dec 12, 2025 |
| Little Things Mean a Lot | Bettye Swann | video | Dec 19, 2025 |
| Silent Night | The Temptations | video | Dec 26, 2025 |
| Cry Baby | Janis Joplin | video | Jan 9, 2026 |
| Crosstown Traffic | The Jimi Hendrix Experience | video | Jan 16, 2026 |
| Don’t You Know | Della Reese | video | Jan 23, 2026 |
| Here You Come Again | Millie Jackson | video | Jan 30, 2026 |
| Go Now | The Moody Blues | video | Feb 6, 2026 |
| Somebody Else’s Guy | Jocelyn Brown | video | Feb 13, 2026 |
| Pastime Paradise | Stevie Wonder | video | Feb 20, 2026 |
| Daydream | Gunter Kallmann Choir | video | Feb 27, 2026 |
| War | Edwin Starr | video | Mar 6, 2026 |
| Piece of My Heart | Erma Franklin | video | Mar 13, 2026 |
| I Put a Spell On You | Screamin’ Jay Hawkins | video | Mar 20, 2026 |
| (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay | Otis Redding | video | Mar 27, 2026 |
| Sh-Boom | The Chords | video | Apr 3, 2026 |
| Hang On In There Baby | Johnny Bristol | video | Apr 10, 2026 |
| Midnight Train to Georgia | Gladys Knight & The Pips | video | Apr 17, 2026 |
| Thanks for Saving My Life | Billy Paul | video | Apr 24, 2026 |
| Nights On Broadway | Candi Staton | video | May 1, 2026 |
| Stand By Me | Ben E. King | video | May 8, 2026 |
| Reach Out, I’ll Be There | Four Tops | video | May 15, 2026 |
| This Is It | Melba Moore | video | May 22, 2026 |
| Gimme a Little Sign | Brenton Wood | video | May 29, 2026 |
| What a Wonderful Thing Love Is | Al Green | video | Jun 5, 2026 |
| What You Won’t Do For Love | Bobby Caldwell | video | Jun 12, 2026 |
| Love Hangover | Diana Ross | video | Jun 19, 2026 |
| Heat Wave | Martha Reeves and the Vandellas | video | Jun 26, 2026 |
| All This Love That I’m Givin’ | Gwen McCrae | video | Jul 3, 2026 |
| Sinnerman | Nina Simone | video | Jul 10, 2026 |
| Sympathy for the Devil | Rolling Stones | video | Jul 17, 2026 |
| I Can’t Stand the Rain | Ann Peebles | video | Jul 24, 2026 |