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Florida's contributions to American music an odd, noteworthy blend

 
Published Dec. 6, 2015

The juxtaposition of two photos in Sunday's Floridian magazine — Tom Petty and Pitbull — brought to mind a favorite topic: Florida's pop music acts.

With Petty's Gainesville-fused Southern rock and Pitbull's high-energy Miami sound, we find in many ways the two sides of the Sunshine State's contributions.

Miami's Latin/Caribbean-influenced sound grew in prominence 40 years ago with KC and the Sunshine Band and eventually gave us acts like Gloria Estefan and Exposé.

Petty is part of a Southern rock parade that included Lynyrd Skynyrd, .38 Special, Bellamy Brothers and Molly Hatchett. Today, Florida Georgia Line offers a modern version.

Where the rest fit in — T-Pain, Slim Whitman, Flo Rida, Ray Charles and adopted son Jimmy Buffett — I'm not sure, but it's a mix worthy of state pride. …

Seen on a bumper sticker: My Heart Is An Idiot. …

A friend expressed disappointment that Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn missed last week's city of Tampa Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony to attend the White House holiday party.

Really?

Even for a politically connected big-city mayor, a White House invitation is rare and an honor. I would have been disappointed if he didn't go. …

On the next That's All I'm Saying television show, we'll take a solution-oriented look at how the state cares for the mentally ill. It's about funding, strategy and vision. Tune in to WEDU-Ch. 3 at 8:30 p.m. Thursday. …

Forgive me for taking a personal moment, but my eldest son, Matthew, graduates from Florida State University with honors this week. Yes, I should be humble, but sometimes, parental pride can't be dimmed.

That's all I'm saying.