Editor's Note: Why Upgrade Now

A week ago, a massive nor’easter was bearing down on New York. When it hit last Sunday into Monday, the storm delivered everything that was promised—nearly two feet of snow. But with the temperatures above freezing this past week, much of the snow has melted away.

Now, spring seems to be lurking in the shadows. The light on buildings has a warmer look, the days are growing incrementally longer and baseball is around the corner.

What remains of the storm for New Yorkers are the stunning views of Central Park’s trees and lawns decorated in white. What a scene! [See photo at the top courtesy of Instagram]

For months, I’ve been urging those of you with a free subscription to upgrade to paid. Here’s why: You’ll get all five of my weekly posts plus the Editor’s Note each weekend. You’ll also be acknowledging that my efforts to entertain and inform you each day have value. And you’ll have access to all of JazzWax’s site content, including my prized jazz legend interviews.

Last week, free subscribers missed out on three incredible posts—Frank Sinatra’s live Tokyo concert in 1962, which I recently found uploaded again after being taken down; five superb new jazz CDs that are worth a listen; and the entire concert video of Woody Herman at the BBC in London in 1969.

What’s more, my weekend Editor’s Note may soon be for paid subscribers only. That may happen at any time. So if you love what you’re reading, please upgrade to paid.

How to do it: Navigate to your Settings, click on Subscriptions, select the publication, and choose “Upgrade to paid” to enter your payment details. Many thanks in advance.

Tony Bennett. Here’s Tony in 1966 on his Singer Sewing Machine TV special, complete with original ads…

Here’s Sarah Vaughan in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1969, backed by pianist Johnny Veith, bassist Gus Mancuso and drummer Eddy Pucci…

And here’s a tribute to the late Neil Sedaka, the Brill Building composer who wrote the music for numerous teen pop songs and hits. He died yesterday at age 86:

Here’s Breaking Up Is Hard to Do with music by Sedaka and lyrics by Howard Greenfield…

Here’s Laughter in the Rain, with music by Sedaka and lyrics by Phil Cody…

Here’s Oh! Carol, with music by Sedaka and lyrics by Greenfield…

Here’s Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen, with music by Sedaka and lyrics by Greenfield…

Here’s Love Will Keep Us Together, with music by Sedaka and lyrics by Greenfield…

And here’s the ballad version of Breaking Up Is Hard to Do…