🍔 The Cheeseburger Song 🍔

     After a week of work, dealing with deadlines, anxiety, even stressful moments. Friday could not come fast enough. Tyrone, Henry, and I, we got down and worked on our format of songs we put together along with writing material. Of course we had more cover tunes than originals. Henry wrote our first song and we put it down. We decided to make a CD with nine original tunes, no cover tunes. We had a friend who was willing to helps us record and produce a CD. 

   Don't want to get ahead of myself. The title of this blog is "The Cheeseburger Song." So, I will lay some ground work up to it. Our first song written by Henry Jordan was called "No Freeride." Tyrone's mother was part of group of female vocalist and they had a gig. After the gig, she came to the house, it was between 11pm and 12am on a Friday night. That's why we decided on the name for us, "Nite Owls."

    Well, she told us what happened regarding funds handed out for the show they did and how it was distributed. It ended the ladies didn't get paid for they had hired this band and they took all the money. Right then and there, we all fell in agreement. We are not in for "no free ride, we are in it for the high tide."  So, yes, our first song put together because of a bad situation. 

    For your listening enjoyment. "No Freeride"

    Before "Traces," there were several cover tunes we started with, actually we had a format listing at least twenty-seven cover tunes. I want to share with you at least four I feel you would enjoy. Our number one song we start off with after the opening of 2001 Space Odyssey.

    A Elvis favorite:

  

      Followed by "Crocodile Rock":

    The third of our list "Hotel California":

   

   Finally the fourth song "White Room":

    Yes, we had as many as 300 to 500 people we performed to and unbelievably they enjoyed what we offered. We were asked to come to a songwriters event in Lebanon, TN at a place known at the time Legends Bar and Grill. Unknown to us this was the last night it was to be opened. We were asked if we would close out the last 30 minutes performing cover tunes or whatever. We did. I announced our last song to perform would "Empty Heart." The bar keep, who also was the owner came down with a mug and slammed it on the bar, chanting FREEBIRD. They started saying FREEBIRD.  Who are we to deprive, we played Freebird. We have not recorded any any of the cover tunes we played but when we performed Hotel California, the bar keep came to the stage and said; "I love the Eagles, but if you were to record that song just the way you performed just now, I will buy it. That was the best rendition I have ever heard on that song." Tyrone and I were elated, what a rush. But the real rush came when we were performing FreeBird and they pulled out the bic lighters. WOW!! I mean WOW!!! What a rush!!

  The final cover tune for your listening ear, my personal favorite:

      Now we come to the point of this story regarding "The Cheeseburger Song." I figure Jimmy Buffet may have come up into your mind. His song "Cheeseburger in Paradise." No, this is about a time Tyrone got together and we rehearsed over a format we put together. Then decided to take a break. It was about 9:30ish on a Friday night. It was our ritual Sonic run, we always get the number two, double stack cheeseburger, large fries, large drink, and a Oreo Sonic blast.

    When we got back we decided to eat out on the back deck, it was a beautiful night. I had started to write a song but had no words written. So, we wrote it together. All I had down was the title, "Empty Heart." It's the last song recorded on our CD. Because we wrote it over a cheeseburger, Tyrone always introduced the song as our cheeseburger song. Another analogy added in our portfolio. So, without further ad due, I give to you what is called: "(Let Me Fill Your) Empty Heart"

   I hoped you enjoyed walking with me down memory lane of "N.O.A." (Nite Owls Authentic). More segments may fellow in other post. Another Post will come out next week on a surprising subject or maybe not so surprising.

     Go back to "The Sound of Happiness," click here.

     Go back to "Peanut Butter and Jelly," click here.

 

 Peanut butter and jelly

(What Does It Mean?)

     First, let's start with a  little history regarding peanut butter and jelly.

     Peanut butter and jelly (PB&J) is a classic American sandwich that has become a staple in households across the United States. This simple yet delicious combination of peanut butter and fruit preserves or jelly has a rich history and cultural significance, making it a beloved choice for both children and adults.

     The origins of peanut butter can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where ground peanuts were used in various forms. However, the modern version of peanut butter was popularized in the late 19th century. In 1895, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg patented a process for creating peanut butter, which was initially marketed as a health food. It gained popularity in the early 20th century, especially during World War II when it was included in soldiers' rations due to its high protein content and long shelf life.

     Jelly, on the other hand, has a longer history, with fruit preserves dating back to ancient times. The process of making jelly involves cooking fruit juice with sugar and pectin, resulting in a sweet and spreadable condiment. The combination of peanut butter and jelly became popular in the 1920s and 1930s, as more families began to embrace the convenience of pre-packaged foods.

    One of the reasons for the enduring popularity of the PB&J sandwich is its versatility. It can be customized in numerous ways to suit individual preferences.

    There was a time when Tyrone and I were rehearsing, Tyrone saw one of my songbooks and looked into it. And saw a song that he liked and wanted us to try. The song was called “Traces.”  It would be another cover tune for us to play.

      Tyrone called me over and asked if I would be able to play it. I asked him if he knew how to sing it. In which He did. So, I told him. You started off and I will come in. As he sung and I played never played this song before by the end of the evening. We had the song down. And added it to our format.

     For listening enjoyment, here's the original song by the Classic IV.

      Regarding the history that you read early of peanut butter and jelly. I referred. That the Tyrone and I, I told him that we were like peanut butter and jelly. Being creative and able to take songs and make them our own. Even though they were performed by other groups. We did not sound like the other groups. You want to hear them play the record.

     Every time that Tyrone and I got together, and we finished practicing, I always said we were like peanut butter and jelly. We were able. To harmonize and play together and be creative just like that sandwich, which is loved by many.

     No matter who we are. Or what we do. There is always a phrase to which we are attached. And some things may not sound like is proper or it should be used. But if that is what makes a person feel good. And they refer to it and they feel like that is like them. Well, who am I to deny how they feel. So likewise, Tyrone and I are peanut butter and jelly.

    In conclusion, peanut butter and jelly is more than just a sandwich; it is a symbol of comfort, nostalgia, and creativity. 

     Just like "Peanut Butter and Jelly," Tyrone and I hope to hold a special place in the hearts of people across the nation with our "Sound of Happiness."

   To go to "The Sound Of Happiness" click here.

    Go to "The Cheeseburger Song" click here.

 

The sound of happiness

   The sound of happiness is a symphony of laughter, the rhythmic tapping of rain on rooftops, and the joyous yelp of a dog chasing its tail. It weaves through our lives like an unseen melody, often unnoticed until it strikes a chord during a moment of cheer. For instance, I once found myself at a family gathering where Uncle Joe, the self-proclaimed king of dad jokes, delivered a punchline that sent soda shooting from my cousin’s nose. That eruption of laughter? Pure happiness!

   However, not all sounds of joy are uproarious. In contrast, I live next to a couple whose nightly debates sound like a season finale of a dramatic soap opera. Some might cringe, but I find it oddly comforting—it's a reminder that even the most tumultuous relationships have moments of connection.

   Growing up I was always listening to the radio. Mom used to always have the radio playing in the kitchen. When I wake up in the morning, I always hear Diana Ross singing Baby Love. I grew up listening to R&B. It was the music that was mostly played up north. When we came to Tennessee, then, of course, there was nothing but country. Very seldom did we hear rock and roll, I grew up watching “Hee-Haw.”

   I am George Kornikoski. Listening to the radio became a pastime for me. It was my alarm clock in the morning. And in the evening, allowed me to tone down or to rest.

  In my younger days, I was a huge fan of Elvis Presley known as the King of Rock and Roll. Over time I have bought sixty-two albums of his. A close friend next door, who was more than a friend. His name is Frank McDade. Frank and I grew up together. Although we were tight friends, we were extremely competitive. He was my brother’s nephew by marriage.

   When he would come over, I would always be playing Elvis on the record player/stereo. In time, he asked me, “Will you ever change?” Break out from the slump of listening to one person. Who he listened to was mostly Elton John. He brought a couple of albums over and we sat down and listened to them. Yes, you can say I broke out of the slump. Not only did I enjoy Elton John, but also Fleetwood Mac, Tina Turner, Bachmann Turner Overdrive, and several others.

   After graduation, I moved to Johnson City. There I met the woman of my life. We got married, and then we left Johnson City and moved to Nashville for a new job. I was given a guitar at the age of ten. Played on it every once in a while, in Nashville I became more interested in playing the guitar. Then I met a close friend, and we started writing songs and putting music to them. We even went out and played before an audience and shared our original tunes.

    One thing that I made known. If it is not fun it will not be done. Music became a sound of happiness with soothing melodies, and words of meaning. An art of passion. You may find yourself sitting in a chair, playing your radio, playing a CD, or listening to music off Amazon Music, whatever the case. You too, enjoy the sound of happiness. One thing I have learned through life's experiences is that laughter releases endorphins, but let’s not forget that silence can also be golden. The sound of a warm embrace or a shared sigh after a long day can be equally fulfilling. So, whether it's the giggles of children, the comforting banter of friends, or even the chaos of life, the soundtrack of happiness is as varied as the people who create it. Life’s true refrain lies in our moments of togetherness, hilarity, and sometimes, delightful chaos.

I find myself now wanting to write more and learn more about theory, soloing, and putting music to a song. I even want to share my artwork with a music-loving audience.

I have added a couple of songs that I wrote, these are from our first CD. 

 Been On the Edge

           Let Me In Baby, Baby

          Next, "Peanut butter and Jelly". What's that, besides a sandwich?

          Go to "Peanut Butter and Jelly," click here.

          

          Go to "The Cheeseburger Song, and click here.