The Christmas Song

Mike Clifford

Since it's a scant ten days until Christmas I felt perhaps we should partake in some music for the season.

Here is former Teen Idol Mike Clifford's take on the Nat King Cole classic The Christmas Song.

I remember this song from when I was growing up as my Father loved Nat King Cole and every Christmas he would play it...a lot! 

Mike has taken it and updated it and made it his own, keeping the song and memories of seasons gone by alive and vibrant.

So let's  get into the Christmas groove and hit the video for the song below...

I'm such a giver!

Mike on the WWW -

https://www.reverbnation.com/mikeclifford6

https://www.facebook.com/MikeCliffordsWonderfulWorld/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Clifford  

Celebrating 300!

Mike Clifford

Today is a cause for celebration! Mike Clifford of "Close To Cathy" fame has checked in at 300 views of his latest, a cover of The Carpenter's hit "Close To You." Woot!

If you haven't heard iit yet, give it a listen. All the popular people are doing it...peer pressure!!!

Honestly, it's good! All you have to do is read the comments on it to know Mike has scored another crowd pleaser...

Don't be shy, hit the video after the jump! I double dog dare you!

Mike on the WWW - 

https://www.facebook.com/MikeCliffordsWonderfulWorld/

https://www.facebook.com/MikeCliffordsWonderfulWorld/   

"Close To You"

"Close To You"
Mike Clifford

Here is the perfect ballad for Pride Month a re-working of the Carpnter's Classic "Close To You" 

Sung and performed by former Teen Idol Mike Clifford of "Close To Cathy" fame.

The cover itself is a tribut to the song's writer Burt Bacharach here's the 411:

"Mike first met the late Burt Bacharach in New York in 1963. Since then, Mike has been an admirer of his work. In the course of his illustrious career, Burt won six Grammy's, three Oscars, an Emmy, and many other worldwide awards. In this tribute, Mike has recorded a new version of one of his biggest hits (written with Hal David), "Close to You" made famous by the Carpenters in 1970. With a brilliant arrangement by the iconic Maurice Gainen and a fresh and captivating video, Mike brings new life to this classic million seller! Special thanks to Devin Pinckard for lending his wonderful talents to this project. Entire production was conceived and co-produced by the great Maurice Gainen and Mike Clifford."

Hit the video after the jump and celebrate your Pride!

Mike on the WWW -

https://www.facebook.com/MikeCliffordsWonderfulWorld/

https://www.reverbnation.com/mikeclifford6/songs  

Coming Soon!

Here comes the latest from out singer Mike Clifford of Close To Cathy fame!

Mike on the WWW -

https://www.facebook.com/MikeCliffordsWonderfulWorld/

 https://www.reverbnation.com/mikeclifford6

The Big 80!

Mike Clifford

Today I'd like to give a Happy 80th Birthday shout out to friend and singer of many hit songs including, but not limited to "Close To Cathy" Mike Clifford!

Here he is pictured above at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, CA with a classic Kaiser Darrin sports car. "Yes" Mike loves cars and had one of his Birthday celebrations at the museum this past Friday.

He's also still making music, so let's all wish Mike a Happy 80th shall we? We shall!

Keep up with Mike at the links below and check out his latest video A Time For Love after the jump!

 Mike on the WWW -

https://www.facebook.com/MikeCliffordsWonderfulWorld/

https://www.reverbnation.com/mikeclifford6

A Time For Love

Celebrating Love
Mike Clifford

With June being Pride Month and the arrival of Summer, love is in the proverbial air! Who better to give us a June love song than Mike Clifford, you remember him from Close To Cathy fame?

So he has gifted us with his latest single and video A Time For Love, yes love. It's what the world needs now in abundance. 

With Mike's spot on vocals, plenty of flair and a kick ass flute solo by Maurice Gainen this is one of his best.

The video is a visual feast for the season of, what else? Love, love, love and more love!!!

Hello lovers what are you waiting for?! Feel the love and watch the video after the jump.

Mike on the WWW -

https://www.facebook.com/MikeCliffordsWonderfulWorld/

https://www.reverbnation.com/mikeclifford6   

Ave Maria

Remember Mike Clifford? He was a Teen Idol in the 60's best known for his signature song Close To Cathy.

Did you know he is still making music? Well he is, he has a wonderful rendition of the Christmas staple Ave Maria as a gift to all of his fans and music lovers.

At this point I am betting you are wanting to hear it, well get it after the jump!

Ho, ho, ho and all that jazz...

Mike on the WWW -

https://www.facebook.com/MikeCliffordsWonderfulWorld/

https://www.reverbnation.com/mikeclifford6  

Ho, Ho, Ho! Here Comes Christmas!

Tick tock Minions it's a scant 20 more days until Christmas...Yikes! Have you gotten your shopping done yet??? 

Here today to help you Keep Calm & Christmas is former Teen Idol Mike Clifford of Close To Cathy fame.

Mike decided to cover one of his favorite Christmas songs this year for your listening pleasure: Ave Maria. 

It's his Holiday gift to all of you, and it's real and spectacular!

So take a few minutes and bask in the Seasonal glow with Mike and get your Ave Maria on. It's sure to contribute happiness to the most wonderful time of the year and then some.

Open your gift by clicking on the video link below, minus the bow.

Mike on the WWW -

https://www.facebook.com/MikeCliffordsWonderfulWorld/

https://www.reverbnation.com/mikeclifford6  

"His Own Little Island"

Mike Clifford

Happy Labor Day Minions! Would you like to take a mini vacay? Of course you would! Let's join singer Mike Clifford on "His Own Little Island" shall we? We Shall!

Let Mike take you on a journey to a tropical getaway on the island of your fantasies.

What's that you say? Your fantasy island is what?! That's the beauty of the video you can project whatever you want onto this magical oasis.

So kick back on this Holiday and chill with Mike on his own little island. His soothing vocals and some groovy Bossa Nova beats are just the ticket.

Mike says relax, and so do I!

Mike Clifford on the WWW -

https://www.facebook.com/MikeCliffordsWonderfulWorld

https://www.reverbnation.com/mikeclifford6   

Remembering Judy Garland

Mike Clifford & Judy Garland

Today marks the anniversary of the passing of a legend, Judy Garland. Being that it is Pride Month makes it even more significant as Judy was a huge gay icon and supporter. 

Above is a photo of my friend Mike Clifford pictured here with Judy at the Little Club in Beverly Hills, CA. She was there to see him perform that night. "Yes" he was fortunate enough to call Ms. Garland friend.

Thus in memory of her, and in celebration of Pride Month. Here is Mike's wonderful cover of Over The Rainbow...

Enjoy, and Happy Pride!

Mike Clifford Fan Page:

https://www.facebook.com/MikeCliffordsWonderfulWorld  

Team "Sentimental" For Valentine's Day!

"Sentimental" Much?
Sandy Zacky & Mike Clifford

Well it's arrived, Valentine's Day 2020 - I guess this is a day where one gets "Sentimental" for the most part. Well nothing is more "Sentimental" than the "Journey" Mike Clifford and Sandy with a "Y" not "E" Zacky take us on with their cover of the Doris Day classic, "Sentimental Journey" what else were you anticipating? 

So celebrate the old VD with a song that covers the word "Sentimental" on every level imaginable and then some.

Hit it after the jump minions, oh, and Happy Valentine's Day! 💝

Mike on the WWW -
https://www.reverbnation.com/mikeclifford6
https://www.facebook.com/MikeCliffordsWonderfulWorld/

Sandy on the WWW -
https://www.reverbnation.com/sandyzacky
https://www.facebook.com/SandyZackyDiva/ 

Tunesday Tuesday -

Sentimental Much?
Sandy Zacky & Mike Clifford

Today I feel like whistling a happy tune, thus I hereby decree Tuesday January 14th 2020 - Tunesday Tuesday! Yay! 

In case you have not heard of the dynamic duo of Mike Clifford & Sandy with a "Y" not "E" Zacky. Let me pseudo initiate you. They have been singing partners for years Mike went off solo and did other things while Sandy tended to personal matters.

Well now they are reunited and it feels so good with a cover of the Doris Day classic "Sentimental Journey" and while I mentioned the song and video before, it's stuck in my head, thus this is my Tunesday Tuesday Jam!

Watch the video after the jump and check out all of Mike & Sandy's music on their Reverbnation pages by clicking on the links below. "Yes" that's correct even more tunes for Tunesday Tuesday, I'm a giver and so are they.

Mic Drop!

Mike Clifford on Reverbnation:

https://www.reverbnation.com/mikeclifford6

SandyZacky on Reverbnation:

https://www.reverbnation.com/sandyzacky  

It's The Most "Sentimental" Time Of The Year

"Seven, That's The Time We Leave..."
Sandy Zacky & Mike Clifford

"Yes" it's the Holiday Season, thus sentiment is here, there and everywhere. So let us simply cover all the bases, right here, right now with Entertain Me's resident Diva Sandy with a "Y" not "E" Zacky and Teen Idol forever Mike Clifford.

It's been a spell since this dynamic duo joined forces, but joined them again they have. The result is pretty amazing. In a tribute to the late Doris Day, the team has tackled her signature song "Sentimental Journey."

Hey, what can one say, other than this song was destined to be sung by these two powerhouses. Oh, and it really resonates this most "Sentimental" time of the year.

Blah, blah, blah, etc...why prattle when you can listen, see and feel it. "Yes" the video for this wonderful confection is here for you to enjoy after the jump.

So, what are you waiting for?! Listen, and see it now...!

Mike on the WWW at:
https://www.facebook.com/MikeCliffordsWonderfulWorld/
https://www.reverbnation.com/mikeclifford6

Sandy on the WWW at: 
https://www.facebook.com/SandyZackyDiva/
https://www.reverbnation.com/sandyzacky 

Michael's Musings

The Truth Is Out There
Michael Shinafelt

Remember the series In Search Of starring the late Leonard Nimoy? He was also Spock on Star Trek.Well I am In Search Of something that Nimoy and crew probably never contemplated, the F#ck that I am supposed to give.

Alright you need to calm down, I do give a F#ck about humanity & morality despite certain things that shall not be addressed here that are happening in the world, "Yeah" there's that...

Let me entertain you, no really 😀

And then there's ______ it's blank, give it a name

Never will I ever dance to Baby Shark and suck on a lollipop

Don't be a cracker, be a saltine

Change your algorithm, change your world

Take a Sentimental Journey with Mike Clifford & Sandy Zacky - it truly is a trip

What gives you the feels?

I so F#cking love The Nightmare Before Christmas Holiday themed Haunted Mansion at Disneyland!!!

That time you got a tattoo

Do you ever get downward dog when having S-E-X?

Woman Crush of the Week - Elizabeth Banks, talented, beautiful, funny...I'd switch for her!

Lemme pose this question, does your Mama know?

This little piggy went to market, this little piggy stayed home, this little piggy bent over, Miss Jackson if you're nasty!

Do you know the way to somewhere out there, beyond compare? Asking for a friend.

Relax, just do it with me at -
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/MShinafelt  

Michael's Musings

I'll Simply Leave This Here...
Michael Shinafelt

"I just took a DNA test, turns out I'm 100% that bitch, Even when I'm crying crazy" - Lizzo, Truth Hurts 

Well Lizzo you have me beat on the bitch DNA test by 26% - that's fine by me I happily conceded the crown to you Queen. It means I still have room for improvement and a role model to provide me with much needed inspiration 😜

Seriously with the world the way it is and such there are worse things I could do or be. It's time to S-M-I-L-E everyone, smile!

On my list of things to do? To frame anyone who finds the Big Bang Theory entertaining as taking part in a college admissions scam

Three Weeks left then my cast is gone, finished, done, R.I.P...etc. 

Stop making sense, it's annoying AF 

Former Teen Idol Mike Clifford & his singing partner in crime Sandy Zacky are back in the studio whipping up something new, something borrowed, something blue

Your mission today? Tell someone they look hydrated

Only two episodes left of the BH90210 reboot, this has me riding on a bummer

Currently trending on Twitter #TrumpHatesMilitaryFamilies -to be fair he hates everyone and everything. He's an equal opportunist hater

Now I know why follow-up Dr. appointments are referred to as F/U's

Woman Crush of the Week - Jennie Garth 

I'm fixing a hole. I'll just leave this here...

Ryan Serhant of Million Dollar Listing New York, what man, what a man, what a man

Pop goes the weasel, "yes" that's a euphemism 

Why didn't the Spice Girls have a group member named "Pumpkin?" (sorry hardcore fans I can not refer to them as a band)

Interrupt my binge watching, I dare you at -
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/mshinafelt?lang=en   

Celebrating Judy Garland

Celebrate!
Mike Clifford & Judy Garland

June is Pride month, and also happens to be the month that legendary gay icon Judy Garland passed. With the 50th Anniversary of her death arriving on June the 22nd former Teen Idol Mike Clifford decided to cover her signature song "Over The Rainbow" in celebration of her life.

Oh and what a cover it is. Clifford who actually knew Judy (she attended his singing gigs around the Los Angeles area) - Always found her to be kind and supportive of his music career. Of course it was a big deal for Mike that he actually was friends with his idol.

Clifford delivers one of the best vocal performances of his career with his rendition of the song classic from The Wizard of Oz. 

Let your troubles melt like lemon drops and celebrate Judy's life by hitting the video below...

Happy Pride Month! 

Mike on the WWW at:
https://www.facebook.com/MikeCliffordsWonderfulWorld/
https://www.reverbnation.com/mikeclifford6   

Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire...

They Know That Santa's On His Way...
Mike Clifford

So I guess it's time to throw a little Christmas Spirit your collective way, since as you all have bared witness that I am not really that much into it. Halloween & Thanksgiving are more my jam. Yet somehow when I hear Mike Clifford's cover of the Nat King Cole classic The Christmas Song I get the warm fuzzy feeling of my youth for the Holiday.

Mike was a prolific singer in the 1960's with his signature hit Close To Cathy among other endeavors. He was also a favorite of the late Dick Clark making numerous appearances on American Bandstand as well as touring with the Dick Clark Caravan.

Yet our intrepid Mike had never recorded a song full of Holiday Cheer until 2017, yeah, last year. He wanted to have one on his impressive resume and here it is for all of you to enjoy. The former Teen Idol's gift to you.

So just sit right back and enjoy this Yuletide standard, right here, right now. Don't ever tell me I'm not a giver...

Where's Mike? Unlike Waldo I have the answer.

Mike Clifford at:
https://www.facebook.com/MikeCliffordsWonderfulWorld/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Clifford
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw-R112myr5ZzlGIS_m4J4Q
https://www.reverbnation.com/mikeclifford6  

When Carole King Met Supergirl

Tea For Two
l-r
Carole King & Melissa Benoist

Having appeared in the video for crooner Mike Clifford's current single, a terrific cover of Will You Love Me Tomorrow by Carole King. One needs no more explanation as to why this image from the WWW caught my eye. 

Or should I extrapolate? I shall because had this photo been merely of Ms. King I would not have really gone to the bother of posting it. It's also because it is of herself and Supergirl aka Melissa Benoist. Who portrays King on Broadway in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.

While I find Ms. Benoist a quite engaging and talented young actress, I had no inkling she was this talented when Carole surprised her with this onstage duet. 

Get it Melissa, you go!

Melissa on IG -
https://www.instagram.com/melissabenoist/?hl=en 

Musing's Musings

It's A Small World After All...
Michael Shinafelt

It's a small, small world...hey I am less than an "A" cup, ya know, after all - Thanks to losing 48 lbs!

Woweee...this has been quite the week! You know what I mean. Thus I present this message to all of you, let's have some fun!

F#ck Trump and in the immortal words of the late Starman David Bowie - "Let's Dance!" 

"Ain't it funny how, when I say let's go out, You're always saying someone else will get me What's a girl to do - I like to have fun too. But you're so jealous - you never let me" I Wanna Have Some Fun - Samantha Fox

Do You Roller Skate In Polyester Pants?

"Hey you, what do you see?, Something beautiful or something free?, Hey, you, are you trying to be mean? If you live with apes man, it's hard to be clean" The Beautiful People - Marilyn Manson

This one time, at band camp, I stuck a flute in my ____ "yes" it's fill in the blank time

Slower Than Usual
Ariel Beesley
Photo:
Michael Shinafelt

Ariel Beesley, Ariel Beesley, Ariel Beelsey

Rama lama ding dong

My Booscratch aka My Sharona 

You can ring my bell, ring my bell...

Freak Out!

Let's go for a vacation in Funkytown

Come Alive with Traci Lords 

"I can't understand, What makes a man, Hate another man, Help me understand" People Are People - Depeche Mode

"Music makes the people come together" Music - Madonna 

"I need you, by me,Beside me, to guide me, To hold me, to scold me, 'Cause when I'm bad I'm so, so bad" Last Dance - Donna Summer

"Will You Love Me Tomorrow" - Mike Clifford 

And then there's Michael Shinafelt at -
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/
https://twitter.com/mshinafelt?lang=en 

Michael's Musings

Here I Go Again...
Michael Shinafelt
Photo:
David Pevsner

"Mamma mia, here I go again, My my, how can I resist you? Mamma mia, does it show again, My my, just how much I've missed you?" - Mama Mia, ABBA 

I can't resist you, none of you, thus here I go again. Did you you miss me like I've missed you? Wait for it, don't speak. Let's go again for another edition of Michael's Musings...

Oh, the Emmy Nominations are today - "Yes" I am a well of useless knowledge

That time you accidentally summoned a demon trying to pronounce the name of IKEA furniture

"You can't shit with us." - 2 Mean Girls, 1 Cup - Faith Choyce, Comedian

What about the children???

When your Lesbian Spin Instructor sees you after you shower and change post class "I really like those shorts, they make me look at your package"

Catching David Lynch's Mulholland Drive on July 28th up on the roof @ The Montalban in Hollywood - The more you know.

It will be just like in the movies, we'll pretend to be somebody else

Sometimes you just gotta be anal (take this comment how you want)

Mike Clifford's latest project, a cover of Carole King's "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" has passed the 800 mark in video views! You go Mike!

A shout out to my friend Traci Lords who will be at the Upright Citizens Brigade this Saturday night

Paul Rudd, Paul Rudd, Paul Rudd

According to the National Enquirer Scott Peterson confesses to killing his wife Laci on Death Row - "As if" anyone needed a confession to know that!!!

Amy's Organic Pizza - that is all

Red, red wine... yeah, you heard me

Now it's time to get in formation -
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/mshinafelt?lang=en