The Midday Distraction #24: Dudley Saunders

Here's a trio of songs from a singer-songwriter whose songs remind me a bit -- to twist a phrase from Harlan Ellison -- of cyanide-flavored Gummi bears.

Here's what you'll hear today (right-click to download MP3 or to open in a new tab or window):

• Dudley Saunders: "The Rain on 8th Avenue"
• Dudley Saunders: "The Winding Sheet"
• Dudley Saunders: "Love Song for Jeffrey Dahmer"

(Total play time: 10:10)

Dudley Saunders' music comes courtesy of Ariel Publicity. Look for his music, and stuff related to this day in history, in the Amazon carousel below; any commissions you can give me would be much appreciated.

Gaius Caesar, aka Caligula, was assassinated by his guards this day in the year 41 C.E. Prospector James W. Marshall found gold at Sutter's Mill near Sacramento this day in 1848, sparking the California gold rush. Writer Edith Wharton was born this day in 1862. The University of Calcutta was established as South Asia's first full-fledged university this day in 1857. Singers Neil Diamond and Aaron Neville were both born this day in 1941. Singer-songwriter Warren Zevon was born this day in 1947. Native American WWII hero Ira Hayes died this day in 1955. English musician and TV personality Jools Holland was born this day in 1958. Former UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill died this day in 1965. Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder Bill W. died this day in 1971. Comic actor Ed Helms was born this day in 1974. The jaunty "I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)" by Daryl Hall & John Oates was No. 1 this day in 1982. The first Apple Macintosh went on sale this day in 1984. English-born American actress Mischa Barton was born this day in 1986 -- kinda young to already be a has-been, but it's a rough business. Mediocre science fiction writer and Church of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard died this day in 1986. Former U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Thurgood Marshall died this day in 1993. Britney Spears' "... Baby One More Time" was No. 1 this day in 1999. And the U.S. Department of Homeland Security officially went to work this day in 2003.