In 1994, Green Day’s “Dookie” began its two year stay on the U.S. album chart. The group’s third studio album rises to #2 and sells over 12 million copies.
In 1966, Janis Joplin made her debut as the lead singer of Big Brother and the Holding Company.
In 1997, Motley Crue were cleared of responsibility for a concertgoer's hearing loss. The fan sued the band for $7 million, but a judge ruled that he knew the concert would be loud when he bought the ticket. (Duh!)
Neo-bluesman Taj Mahal played Hollywood's Palimino Club in 1987. Significant because by the end of the gig, he's been joined onstage by George Harrison, Bob Dylan, John Fogerty, and Jesse Ed Davis.
# 1 on the American pop singles chart in 1977 was Manfred Mann's Earth Band's cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Blinded by the Light." Ironically, Springsteen himself hasn't even had a top 20 single yet.
KISS made their TV debut on "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert" in 1974.
1972 saw Paul McCartney release the controversial single "Give Ireland Back to the Irish" in the U.K. Predictably, the BBC bans it.
Singer Seal ("Kiss From a Rose") was born Sealhenry Samuel in Paddington, England in 1963. (Sealhenry?)
In 1957, Austrian pop star Falco ("Rock Me Amadeus") was born in Vienna as Johann Holzl.
Peter Holsapple, who went from dB's main man to R.E.M.'s sideling to Continental Drifter, was born today in 1956.
In 1955, Dot Records introduced its newest star to Billboard readers with a big advertisement reading: "A Great New Voice - Pat Boone." In April, his single "Two Hearts" goes to No. 16.
Tony Iommi, the legendary guitarist with Black Sabbath, was born in Birmingham, England in 1948.
Smokey Robinson, leader of the Motown vocal group the Miracles, was born in Detroit in 1940.
Tower of Power member Rich Stevens (he sang lead on "You're Still A Young Man") was arrested (later convicted) for a drug-related triple homicide in San Jose, California, in 1976.
In 1972, Sammy Davis, Jr. guest starred on CBS-TV's "All In The Family,” giving Archie Bunker a very famous kiss. (the “Candyman” delivers!)
In 1980, Bon Scott, the lead singer of heavy metal band AC/DC, died in London at the age of 33. He died as a result of choking on his own vomit after drinking heavily.
In 1981, George Harrison was ordered to pay ABKCO Music the sum of $587,000 for "subconscious plagiarism" between his song, "My Sweet Lord" and the Chiffons "He's So Fine."
In 1964, a British company shipped a half ton of Beatle wigs to the US.
1966, Lou Christie enjoyed his only US number one record with "Lightnin' Strikes", a song that his record company, MGM, hated so much, they initially refused to release. Christie also turns 65 today.
Although he had written songs that were recorded by The Turtles, Rick Nelson, Blood Sweat and Tears, Lulu, The Monkees and Three Dog Night, Harry Nilsson had his only US number one hit in 1972 with the song "Without You", a tune that was written by Pete Ham and Tom Evans of Badfinger.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
3 million records and 300,000 CDs for $3 million starting bid
World's Largest Music Collection For Sale
From Thomas Edison to American Idol, this is the complete history of the music that shaped and defined five generations. 3 million records and 300,000 CDs containing more than 6 million song titles. It’s the undisputed largest collection of recorded music in the world. About half of the recordings are new and never played, and every genre of 20th century music is represented. There are countless rare recordings worth hundreds, or even thousands of dollars each on the collectibles market. Organized and cataloged, the collection is meticulously maintained and housed in a climate-controlled warehouse. The estimated value of this amazing collection is more than $50 million.
Every recording in the collection was purchased by the collection’s owner over the past fifty years and represents a lifetime of work and his desire to see the music preserved for future generations. Advancing age and health concerns are forcing the owner to sell.
The history of 20th century music belongs in a museum (existing or new), or a music library. The collection’s owner is seeking a private collector or a philanthropist willing to buy and donate the collection. A donation would qualify as a tax-deductible event. The collection contains many thousands of duplicate copies, which could be sold individually on the collectibles market to recoup a substantial part of the purchase price.
Payment terms are 10% of the purchase price within five business days, by certified check, bank transfer or PayPal, and the balance by certified check or bank transfer within 30 business days. The owner will ship anywhere in the world, and the buyer pays actual packing and shipping costs from Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
For complete details on the collection and the seller, go to www.TheGreatestMusicCollection.com
Monday, February 18, 2008
Vinyl Records- Top 5 eBay Sales
Vinyl Records Top 5 eBay Sales Week Ending 01/27/2008
1) 45rpm - The Misfits "Horror Business" (Signed) - Ending Selling Price- $14,301.38 Starting Bid: $4,999.99 Bids: 18
2) 45rpm - Ray Pollard "This Time (I'm Gonna Be True)" / "No More Like Me" Shrine 103 - Ending Selling Price-$3,060.00 Starting Bid: $4.99 Bids: 32
3) LP - Bob Dylan "Vol. 4" Japan White Label Promo w/ OBI - Sold At- $2,799.99 Starting Bid $2,799.99 Bids: 1
4) 45rpm - Willie Wright "Right On Darkness" - Ending Selling Price- $2,716.00 Starting Bid: $129.99 Bids: 22
5) LP - Vashti "Bunyan" - Ending Selling Price- $2,300.00 Starting Bid: $9.99 Bids: 23
1) 45rpm - The Misfits "Horror Business" (Signed) - Ending Selling Price- $14,301.38 Starting Bid: $4,999.99 Bids: 18
2) 45rpm - Ray Pollard "This Time (I'm Gonna Be True)" / "No More Like Me" Shrine 103 - Ending Selling Price-$3,060.00 Starting Bid: $4.99 Bids: 32
3) LP - Bob Dylan "Vol. 4" Japan White Label Promo w/ OBI - Sold At- $2,799.99 Starting Bid $2,799.99 Bids: 1
4) 45rpm - Willie Wright "Right On Darkness" - Ending Selling Price- $2,716.00 Starting Bid: $129.99 Bids: 22
5) LP - Vashti "Bunyan" - Ending Selling Price- $2,300.00 Starting Bid: $9.99 Bids: 23
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Don't Throw Out Those Old Records!
Check out these outrageous silhouettes by artist Carlos Aires. These are made by laser cutting old vinyl records. A fun thing to hang on your wall for sure and a great way to 'recycle' worn out vinyl!
I found this wonderful concept here:
http://tinyurl.com/2z2wfm
This Day In Music History- Feb 17
Bobby Lewis ("Tossin' & Turnin'") turns 75.
Dodie Stevens ("Pink Shoelaces") is 62.
Bill Cowsill of the Cowsills ("The Rain, The Park And Other Things") dies of emphysema in 2006.
Little Richard sent his first audition tape to future label Specialty Records in 1955.
The first Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass concert was held, in Los Angeles in 1964.
In 2006, the Rolling Stones topped Forbes Magazine's list of the top money-makers in US music for 2005. The wrinkly rockers made $168 million in record and ticket sales that year. (they are retired now, aren’t they?...I know they are not dead)
In 1988, after a 12-year-old Florida boy sets his legs on fire and suffers burns over 10 percent of his body, Motley Crue warned their fans not to try anything they see in their "Live Wire" video. The boy was emulating one of the stunts done by the band in the clip.
In 1982 jazz Piano giant Thelonious Monk, passed away at age 64.
Eck Roberson, who was considered to be the first musician to lay down a fiddle on a country track, died in 1975 at age 87.
In 1971, on The Johnny Cash Show, James Taylor is unveiled to prime-time audiences. He performed "Fire and Rain" and "Carolina on My Mind."
Performing at London's Royal Albert Hall in 1970, Joni Mitchell announces she is retiring from live performance. She changes her mind within the year.
In 1968, following their first New York performance at the Anderson Theatre, Big Brother & the Holding Company were signed by Columbia Records.
In 1960, Elvis Presley received his first gold album for his Elvis debut on RCA.
The wonderful experimental guitarist Fred Frith was born in Britain in 1949.
The great Gene Pitney, who vocalized the immortal "24 Hours From Tulsa," was born in Hartford, Conn in 1941. The talented fellow also wrote the songs "Hello Mary Lou," "He's a Rebel" and "Rubber Ball" among others.
In 2001, the Manic Street Preachers become the first Western band to play Cuba when they rock Karl Marx Stadium in Havana. Fidel Castro, who's in attendance and knows the value of a good sound-bite, declares the gig to be "louder than war."
In 1960, the Everly Brothers signed with Warner Bros. Records in a 10-year contract worth $1 million.
Pink Floyd began a 4-night stand in London in 1972. During the stand they premiered "The Dark Side of the Moon" a full year before it was released.
In 1975, John Lennon released "Rock n' Roll." It was his last record before he left the music business for 5 years to become a ‘house husband’ and spend more time with Yoko (poor Mr. Lennon).
Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan had a recording session in Nashville, TN in 1969. "Girl from the North Country" was the only duet released from the session.
Gene Chandler had the top tune on the Billboard Pop chart in 1962 with "The Duke Of Earl", the first of his six US chart hits.
Today in 1958, the song "Sugartime" by McGuire Sisters topped the charts and stayed there for 4 weeks.
The Eagles release their "Greatest Hits" album in 1976. To this day, it is still the best selling record of all time.
Green Day’s guitarist/vocalist, Billie Joe Armstrong, entered the world in 1972.
War started a two-week run at #1 on the Billboard album chart in 1973 with "The World Is A Ghetto.”
Dodie Stevens ("Pink Shoelaces") is 62.
Bill Cowsill of the Cowsills ("The Rain, The Park And Other Things") dies of emphysema in 2006.
Little Richard sent his first audition tape to future label Specialty Records in 1955.
The first Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass concert was held, in Los Angeles in 1964.
In 2006, the Rolling Stones topped Forbes Magazine's list of the top money-makers in US music for 2005. The wrinkly rockers made $168 million in record and ticket sales that year. (they are retired now, aren’t they?...I know they are not dead)
In 1988, after a 12-year-old Florida boy sets his legs on fire and suffers burns over 10 percent of his body, Motley Crue warned their fans not to try anything they see in their "Live Wire" video. The boy was emulating one of the stunts done by the band in the clip.
In 1982 jazz Piano giant Thelonious Monk, passed away at age 64.
Eck Roberson, who was considered to be the first musician to lay down a fiddle on a country track, died in 1975 at age 87.
In 1971, on The Johnny Cash Show, James Taylor is unveiled to prime-time audiences. He performed "Fire and Rain" and "Carolina on My Mind."
Performing at London's Royal Albert Hall in 1970, Joni Mitchell announces she is retiring from live performance. She changes her mind within the year.
In 1968, following their first New York performance at the Anderson Theatre, Big Brother & the Holding Company were signed by Columbia Records.
In 1960, Elvis Presley received his first gold album for his Elvis debut on RCA.
The wonderful experimental guitarist Fred Frith was born in Britain in 1949.
The great Gene Pitney, who vocalized the immortal "24 Hours From Tulsa," was born in Hartford, Conn in 1941. The talented fellow also wrote the songs "Hello Mary Lou," "He's a Rebel" and "Rubber Ball" among others.
In 2001, the Manic Street Preachers become the first Western band to play Cuba when they rock Karl Marx Stadium in Havana. Fidel Castro, who's in attendance and knows the value of a good sound-bite, declares the gig to be "louder than war."
In 1960, the Everly Brothers signed with Warner Bros. Records in a 10-year contract worth $1 million.
Pink Floyd began a 4-night stand in London in 1972. During the stand they premiered "The Dark Side of the Moon" a full year before it was released.
In 1975, John Lennon released "Rock n' Roll." It was his last record before he left the music business for 5 years to become a ‘house husband’ and spend more time with Yoko (poor Mr. Lennon).
Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan had a recording session in Nashville, TN in 1969. "Girl from the North Country" was the only duet released from the session.
Gene Chandler had the top tune on the Billboard Pop chart in 1962 with "The Duke Of Earl", the first of his six US chart hits.
Today in 1958, the song "Sugartime" by McGuire Sisters topped the charts and stayed there for 4 weeks.
The Eagles release their "Greatest Hits" album in 1976. To this day, it is still the best selling record of all time.
Green Day’s guitarist/vocalist, Billie Joe Armstrong, entered the world in 1972.
War started a two-week run at #1 on the Billboard album chart in 1973 with "The World Is A Ghetto.”
Friday, February 15, 2008
This Day In Music History- Feb 15
Jerry Wexler, staff writer at 'Billboard' magazine, coined the term "Rhythm & Blues" in 1949, which becomes Billboard's official designation for African-American popular music.
In 1965, Nat King Cole died of lung cancer (Daughter Natalie had just turned 15 the previous week). Nat originally played piano in Jazz bands, but stepped to the front of the stage for good when "Mona Lisa" became a huge hit. He hit the charts again in 1991 when his voice was dubbed into a duet with Natalie on "Unforgettable".
The hotly anticipated, self-titled debut album by Led Zeppelin entered the album charts in 1969, ultimately reaching #10.
In 1972, with the expiration of John Lennon's U.S. non-immigrant visa, deportation proceedings began. Lennon will wage a four-year battle with the federal government to remain in the U.S.
In 1979, "Just the Way You Are" by Billy Joel wins Grammies for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
MTV premiered Madonna's "Like a Prayer" video in 1989.
Melissa Manchester ("Midnight Blue") is 57.
Denny Zager of Zager & Evans ("In The Year 2525") turns 64
.
Songwriter Brian Holland (wrote many hits for the Supremes and the Four Tops with his brother, Eddie and Lamont Dozier) is 67.
In 1961, Jackie Wilson was shot by Juanita Jones, a girlfriend who had gone to his New York apartment to confront him about another woman. Although he managed to escape and make it to a hospital, Wilson lost a kidney and would carry the bullet that was too close to his spine to be removed, for the rest of his life.
The group Chicago formed (as the "Big Thing") in 1967.
Although she would place 21 songs on the Billboard Top 40, Linda Ronstadt had her only number one hit with "You're No Good" in 1975.
Today in 1986, the song "How Will I Know" by Whitney Houston topped the charts and stayed there for 2 weeks.
In 1984, Broadway star Ethel Merman died at age 75.
Electric Flag guitarist Michael Bloomfield, who also performed on Bob Dylan's Highway 61 Revisited, died of a drug overdose at age 37 in San Francisco in 1981. His body is discovered in his car.
Gino Vannelli ("People Gotta Move") became the first ‘white guy’ to perform on Soul Train in 1975.
1967 - The first laws concerning anti-bootlegging were enacted.
Incubus vocalist Brandon Boyd (middle) was born in Van Nuys, CA in 1976.
Mick Avory was born in East Molesey, Surrey, England in 1944. The drummer is with the Kinks from ’64 – ’84. He once auditioned for the Rolling Stones but was turned down.
In 1977, Sid Vicious joined the Sex Pistols, replacing Glen Matlock. The story goes Matlock was dumped because he “liked” The Beatles. The horror!
Fleetwood Mac released the album “Rumours” in 1977. The album features “Dreams,” “Go Your Own Way” and “You Make Loving Fun.”
In 1965, Nat King Cole died of lung cancer (Daughter Natalie had just turned 15 the previous week). Nat originally played piano in Jazz bands, but stepped to the front of the stage for good when "Mona Lisa" became a huge hit. He hit the charts again in 1991 when his voice was dubbed into a duet with Natalie on "Unforgettable".
The hotly anticipated, self-titled debut album by Led Zeppelin entered the album charts in 1969, ultimately reaching #10.
In 1972, with the expiration of John Lennon's U.S. non-immigrant visa, deportation proceedings began. Lennon will wage a four-year battle with the federal government to remain in the U.S.
In 1979, "Just the Way You Are" by Billy Joel wins Grammies for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
MTV premiered Madonna's "Like a Prayer" video in 1989.
Melissa Manchester ("Midnight Blue") is 57.
Denny Zager of Zager & Evans ("In The Year 2525") turns 64
.
Songwriter Brian Holland (wrote many hits for the Supremes and the Four Tops with his brother, Eddie and Lamont Dozier) is 67.
In 1961, Jackie Wilson was shot by Juanita Jones, a girlfriend who had gone to his New York apartment to confront him about another woman. Although he managed to escape and make it to a hospital, Wilson lost a kidney and would carry the bullet that was too close to his spine to be removed, for the rest of his life.
The group Chicago formed (as the "Big Thing") in 1967.
Although she would place 21 songs on the Billboard Top 40, Linda Ronstadt had her only number one hit with "You're No Good" in 1975.
Today in 1986, the song "How Will I Know" by Whitney Houston topped the charts and stayed there for 2 weeks.
In 1984, Broadway star Ethel Merman died at age 75.
Electric Flag guitarist Michael Bloomfield, who also performed on Bob Dylan's Highway 61 Revisited, died of a drug overdose at age 37 in San Francisco in 1981. His body is discovered in his car.
Gino Vannelli ("People Gotta Move") became the first ‘white guy’ to perform on Soul Train in 1975.
1967 - The first laws concerning anti-bootlegging were enacted.
Incubus vocalist Brandon Boyd (middle) was born in Van Nuys, CA in 1976.
Mick Avory was born in East Molesey, Surrey, England in 1944. The drummer is with the Kinks from ’64 – ’84. He once auditioned for the Rolling Stones but was turned down.
In 1977, Sid Vicious joined the Sex Pistols, replacing Glen Matlock. The story goes Matlock was dumped because he “liked” The Beatles. The horror!
Fleetwood Mac released the album “Rumours” in 1977. The album features “Dreams,” “Go Your Own Way” and “You Make Loving Fun.”
Thursday, February 14, 2008
12 Rules of Crate Digging and Record Collecting Etiquette
I ran across this information and I wanted to share it with you because I think the gent who wrote it is right on target and I can certainly agree with the 12 rules. If you want to research this further, check out this splendid website:
www.cratekings.com/
12 Rules of Crate Digging and Record Collecting Etiquette
"A little while ago I was doing some thorough digging at a Chicagoland flea market when I ran across a dealer yelling at the top of his lungs that he had a box of 45’s for $5 to the first person that could find it in his pile of stuff. You better believe that your boy Semantik was the first person to find the stash and check out the goods. However, being the first to lay claim to the vinyl, I didn’t expect to have another record junkie hovering over me while I satisfied my digging fix. To make matters worse, the scrubby dude, probably in his late 40’s or early 50’s, started mumbling to himself about the titles in the box and was overcome with a crazed look in his eyes. I kept digging and after a while the guy left, but after I subdued the urge to practice the Karate Kid foot sweep, it occurred to me that not every record fiend is consciously aware that there’s a certain etiquette required of those who choose to partake this habit. This of course leads to… Crate Kings Digging and Record Collecting Etiquette 101."
1) Don’t hover over people already digging in a section, bin, or box that you would like to get into.
2) When using a portable turntable or record player, ask if it ok to sample the goods before using it. I’ve never been denied or questioned about its use and many times it sparks a pretty good conversation about music, which, more often than not, can lead to behind the counter items.
3) Learn to properly hold a record when checking the condition. I know this sounds a little rudimentary, but you’d be surprised how many beginners will pick up a pristine piece of vinyl and touch the flat surface with their fingers. The proper way to open a record is to gently pull out the inner sleeve, rotate the open side of the inner sleeve to the side, and allow gravity to let the record slide into the webbing of your hand in between the you thumb and index finger while balancing the record on the label opposite your vision using your middle and ring fingers. Using this technique will show that you know what you’re doing and respect the precious vinyl. Many dealers will clean or polish records to highlight the condition and support their asking price. Using the stance will also prevent you from getting funny looks from the already high strung cats behind the counter.
4) Do not scratch the records when listening to them. Another common sense rule that is ignored more often than you think. If the store provides a turntable for previewing items, please do not try to get a feel for the vinyl by giving it a quick backspin, scribble, or tear. It’s just not cool.
5) Do not dig outside of your bin or row if someone is digging next to you.
6) Move records that you’ve selected out of the way of those digging next to you.
7) If drinking a beverage, hold it away from the record bins and dig with one hand.
8) It’s ok to negotiate prices under certain conditions. Records shows and flea markets are always open game and aggressive price negotiation is not only welcomed, but expected.
9) Say hello when approaching dealer tables and lift your head up from the bins every now and then to show that you’re a sociable human being.
Unfortunately, many vinyl collectors and beat diggers have a well deserved reputation for being antisocial, isolated, and compulsive. Then again, dealers, also being collectors themselves, are often stranger than their clientele.
10) Put any items you are interested into a pile and keep it in your vicinity. If someone pulls something that you were interested in and you didn’t show reasonable effort to lay claim, then you’ve forfeited all claim to that record.
11) Place already items purchased from another store or dealer in a bag to avoid confusion about what record was gotten where.
12) Treat other people’s records like they are your own. What you pass over will ultimately end up in the collection of someone else and vice versa.
www.cratekings.com/
12 Rules of Crate Digging and Record Collecting Etiquette
"A little while ago I was doing some thorough digging at a Chicagoland flea market when I ran across a dealer yelling at the top of his lungs that he had a box of 45’s for $5 to the first person that could find it in his pile of stuff. You better believe that your boy Semantik was the first person to find the stash and check out the goods. However, being the first to lay claim to the vinyl, I didn’t expect to have another record junkie hovering over me while I satisfied my digging fix. To make matters worse, the scrubby dude, probably in his late 40’s or early 50’s, started mumbling to himself about the titles in the box and was overcome with a crazed look in his eyes. I kept digging and after a while the guy left, but after I subdued the urge to practice the Karate Kid foot sweep, it occurred to me that not every record fiend is consciously aware that there’s a certain etiquette required of those who choose to partake this habit. This of course leads to… Crate Kings Digging and Record Collecting Etiquette 101."
1) Don’t hover over people already digging in a section, bin, or box that you would like to get into.
2) When using a portable turntable or record player, ask if it ok to sample the goods before using it. I’ve never been denied or questioned about its use and many times it sparks a pretty good conversation about music, which, more often than not, can lead to behind the counter items.
3) Learn to properly hold a record when checking the condition. I know this sounds a little rudimentary, but you’d be surprised how many beginners will pick up a pristine piece of vinyl and touch the flat surface with their fingers. The proper way to open a record is to gently pull out the inner sleeve, rotate the open side of the inner sleeve to the side, and allow gravity to let the record slide into the webbing of your hand in between the you thumb and index finger while balancing the record on the label opposite your vision using your middle and ring fingers. Using this technique will show that you know what you’re doing and respect the precious vinyl. Many dealers will clean or polish records to highlight the condition and support their asking price. Using the stance will also prevent you from getting funny looks from the already high strung cats behind the counter.
4) Do not scratch the records when listening to them. Another common sense rule that is ignored more often than you think. If the store provides a turntable for previewing items, please do not try to get a feel for the vinyl by giving it a quick backspin, scribble, or tear. It’s just not cool.
5) Do not dig outside of your bin or row if someone is digging next to you.
6) Move records that you’ve selected out of the way of those digging next to you.
7) If drinking a beverage, hold it away from the record bins and dig with one hand.
8) It’s ok to negotiate prices under certain conditions. Records shows and flea markets are always open game and aggressive price negotiation is not only welcomed, but expected.
9) Say hello when approaching dealer tables and lift your head up from the bins every now and then to show that you’re a sociable human being.
Unfortunately, many vinyl collectors and beat diggers have a well deserved reputation for being antisocial, isolated, and compulsive. Then again, dealers, also being collectors themselves, are often stranger than their clientele.
10) Put any items you are interested into a pile and keep it in your vicinity. If someone pulls something that you were interested in and you didn’t show reasonable effort to lay claim, then you’ve forfeited all claim to that record.
11) Place already items purchased from another store or dealer in a bag to avoid confusion about what record was gotten where.
12) Treat other people’s records like they are your own. What you pass over will ultimately end up in the collection of someone else and vice versa.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Digitizing Our Music Heritage
Music Conversion Is A Hot Commodity
By Robert Benson
The resurgence of vinyl records has followed many paths. From the ‘indie’ bands, who release colored vinyl or limited edition LP’s to the ‘classic rock’ artists who are re-releasing iconic albums, the role of vinyl records in our music landscape is changing.
Yes, people love their records, but there is a problem with vinyl, it is not portable. In the ‘iPod age’ music consumers want the convenience of digital music, but there is also a place for their treasured vinyl. In fact, we are seeing more and more ways to ‘convert’ vinyl to digital formats, to keep up with the digital age. USB turntables are flying off the shelves as well as all sorts of computer programs to help make records portable.
And seizing on this opportunity, there are a multitude of websites being made to allow music consumers to bypass the technical aspects of vinyl conversion to CD or MP3 formats. One such website, www.offtherecord-online.com, is taking advantage of this boon by offering simple ‘sound packages’ where music lovers can have their vinyl records transferred onto CD or to MP3. I spoke with Heather of offtherecord-online.com about their new endeavor to provide quality audio transfer services.
“We love music,” said Heather. “I play the guitar and love acoustic music, but my husband (Neil) is partial to punk, so we have quite an eclectic array of sounds in our household. We also realize that our customers love their music as well, therefore, we are guided by three simple principles to help bring their music to the 21st century.”
“We feel that our customers deserve to relive their music collections without having to max out a credit card, so the first thing we did was make our transfer services affordable,” detailed Heather. “Second, you should not have to suffer through a dizzying array of order options, add-ons and other charges, so we have made it very easy and simple; just choose the sound package that fits your needs. Our last principle is that we offer quality service, the customer is not just an order number and we can adapt to a specific need.”
I asked Heather why her and her husband decided to ‘open shop’ and provide this music transfer service.
“We grew up listening to records with our grandparents, from Disney stories to classical music. So, when these collections were passed down to us, we just had to find a way to share these pieces of family history with our own children,” detailed Heather. “So from our own family requesting the service offtherecord-online got started after we began offering our transferring services as a silent auction item for several local charities. We continue to support these charities, particularly Cottonwood Preschool and the SUDC (Sudden Unexpected Death in Children) Research fund. We also discovered that there were many music lovers out there that were looking for a way to transfer their cherished vinyl records to CD or MP3- without spending a small fortune. So we decided to go online and offer our services to music lovers in an affordable manner without compromising the sound quality-it is our top priority.”
But, with all the copyright laws and problems that come with re-recording music, is this all legal?
“In short, yes,” explained Heather. “A person has the legal right to make personal copies of music that they are in legal possession of, so it is certainly not illegal to pay someone to help you do it. That being said, we do insist that as part of this service a customer must fill out our legal waiver form stating that they are the sole possessor of the music that we are transferring and that they have no intention of distributing any copies that we make, for profit or otherwise.”
I inquired about the sound quality that offtherecord-online can provide.
“We guarantee our work and want our customers to be 100% satisfied. You will be impressed with the quality of music that comes through from the electronic cleaning process,” said Heather. “Our services literally bring new life and clarity to our customers cherished vinyl records. However, we also realize that by electronically ‘cleaning the music’ that too much can actually degrade the quality of the music, so it is our policy to strive for the best sound and find the optimum balance between removing as much of the pops, hisses and clicks that we can; while still preserving the original integrity of the records.”
“We also only accept a limited number of orders at once, so we can take the time to provide the customer with superb music quality and sound,” assured Heather.
So as this service becomes more popular and offtherecord-online starts to build a strong customer base, record lovers can rest easy that their beloved vinyl records are in capable hands. After all, this isn’t ‘rocket science,’ although the transfer services are being handled by one (Neil works as an aerospace engineer).
Offtherecord-online sample CD
Furthermore, archiving and conserving these old records is the ultimate way to preserve them. And offtherecord-online goes to great lengths to preserve the ‘look’ and integrity of the whole album, including front and back scans of the particular album cover for the jewel case inserts and even recording the albums on a CD that looks like a vinyl 45rpm record.
So as we listen to our ‘new recordings,’ we can rest easy knowing that it isn’t all about the money for offtherecord-online.com, but rather it is all about the most important element of their services, the love of the music.
By Robert Benson
The resurgence of vinyl records has followed many paths. From the ‘indie’ bands, who release colored vinyl or limited edition LP’s to the ‘classic rock’ artists who are re-releasing iconic albums, the role of vinyl records in our music landscape is changing.
Yes, people love their records, but there is a problem with vinyl, it is not portable. In the ‘iPod age’ music consumers want the convenience of digital music, but there is also a place for their treasured vinyl. In fact, we are seeing more and more ways to ‘convert’ vinyl to digital formats, to keep up with the digital age. USB turntables are flying off the shelves as well as all sorts of computer programs to help make records portable.
And seizing on this opportunity, there are a multitude of websites being made to allow music consumers to bypass the technical aspects of vinyl conversion to CD or MP3 formats. One such website, www.offtherecord-online.com, is taking advantage of this boon by offering simple ‘sound packages’ where music lovers can have their vinyl records transferred onto CD or to MP3. I spoke with Heather of offtherecord-online.com about their new endeavor to provide quality audio transfer services.
“We love music,” said Heather. “I play the guitar and love acoustic music, but my husband (Neil) is partial to punk, so we have quite an eclectic array of sounds in our household. We also realize that our customers love their music as well, therefore, we are guided by three simple principles to help bring their music to the 21st century.”
“We feel that our customers deserve to relive their music collections without having to max out a credit card, so the first thing we did was make our transfer services affordable,” detailed Heather. “Second, you should not have to suffer through a dizzying array of order options, add-ons and other charges, so we have made it very easy and simple; just choose the sound package that fits your needs. Our last principle is that we offer quality service, the customer is not just an order number and we can adapt to a specific need.”
I asked Heather why her and her husband decided to ‘open shop’ and provide this music transfer service.
“We grew up listening to records with our grandparents, from Disney stories to classical music. So, when these collections were passed down to us, we just had to find a way to share these pieces of family history with our own children,” detailed Heather. “So from our own family requesting the service offtherecord-online got started after we began offering our transferring services as a silent auction item for several local charities. We continue to support these charities, particularly Cottonwood Preschool and the SUDC (Sudden Unexpected Death in Children) Research fund. We also discovered that there were many music lovers out there that were looking for a way to transfer their cherished vinyl records to CD or MP3- without spending a small fortune. So we decided to go online and offer our services to music lovers in an affordable manner without compromising the sound quality-it is our top priority.”
But, with all the copyright laws and problems that come with re-recording music, is this all legal?
“In short, yes,” explained Heather. “A person has the legal right to make personal copies of music that they are in legal possession of, so it is certainly not illegal to pay someone to help you do it. That being said, we do insist that as part of this service a customer must fill out our legal waiver form stating that they are the sole possessor of the music that we are transferring and that they have no intention of distributing any copies that we make, for profit or otherwise.”
I inquired about the sound quality that offtherecord-online can provide.
“We guarantee our work and want our customers to be 100% satisfied. You will be impressed with the quality of music that comes through from the electronic cleaning process,” said Heather. “Our services literally bring new life and clarity to our customers cherished vinyl records. However, we also realize that by electronically ‘cleaning the music’ that too much can actually degrade the quality of the music, so it is our policy to strive for the best sound and find the optimum balance between removing as much of the pops, hisses and clicks that we can; while still preserving the original integrity of the records.”
“We also only accept a limited number of orders at once, so we can take the time to provide the customer with superb music quality and sound,” assured Heather.
So as this service becomes more popular and offtherecord-online starts to build a strong customer base, record lovers can rest easy that their beloved vinyl records are in capable hands. After all, this isn’t ‘rocket science,’ although the transfer services are being handled by one (Neil works as an aerospace engineer).
Offtherecord-online sample CD
Furthermore, archiving and conserving these old records is the ultimate way to preserve them. And offtherecord-online goes to great lengths to preserve the ‘look’ and integrity of the whole album, including front and back scans of the particular album cover for the jewel case inserts and even recording the albums on a CD that looks like a vinyl 45rpm record.
So as we listen to our ‘new recordings,’ we can rest easy knowing that it isn’t all about the money for offtherecord-online.com, but rather it is all about the most important element of their services, the love of the music.
Laverne & Shirley Album
A while ago I picked up a unique record album called "Laverne & Shirley Sing." Back in the 70's, there was a trio of girls who appeared on the "Gong Show," and they went on and simulated a 'sex act' by licking popsicles very sensually. I was living in the EST time zone, so I was able to actually see this, as it was then caught by the censors and removed from the show for subsequent time zones and repeats. So, taking their cue from this infamous event, this image pokes a bit of fun on an incident that, at the time, caused quite a stir.
This Day In Music History- Feb 13
In 1973, the ‘fifth Beatle’ Billy Preston, hit #1 with the song "Will It Go Round in Circles" and #4 with "Space Race."
Buffalo Springfield's legendary “best-of album,” 'Retrospective', was released in 1969. It was later certified platinum, surpassing sales of one million.
Today in 1999, the song "Angel Of Mine" by Monica topped the charts and stayed there for 4 weeks.
Vocalist Henry Rollins (Black Flag/Henry Rollins Band) was born in Washington, D.C. in 1961.
Recorded in three days and costing less that $2,000 to produce, “Black Sabbath,” the group’s self-titled debut album, was unleashed on an unsuspecting world in 1970.
In 1973, "Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite," the soundtrack to an Elvis Presley TV Special, goes gold. Not surprising, since the program, broadcast two weeks earlier, was seen by more than one billion viewers.
The Country & Western duo of Buddy Holly and Bob Montgomery (Buddy & Bob) opened for Elvis Presley at a show in Lubbock, Texas in 1955.
The late "Tennessee" Ernie Ford ("Sixteen Tons") was born in 1919.
Peter Gabriel ("Games Without Frontiers" and one-time member of Genesis) turns 57.
Waylon Jennings died of complications from diabetes in 2002. At 21, he was a member of Buddy Holly's band who gave up his plane seat to the Big Bopper just before the doomed flight took off on February 3rd, 1959.
In 1981, Pink Floyd's ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ became the longest-running rock album on the Billboard albums chart. It was on the charts for an amazing 402 weeks. But it still had a few more years to go before it beats Johnny Mathis, whose ‘Greatest Hits’ was on the chart for a whopping 490 weeks.
Led Zeppelin fans in Singapore were disappointed when the group was forced to cancel a concert there in 1972. Drugs? Immoral behavior? Foul mouths? Naw, the conservative country's officials wouldn't let the band members get off the plane because their hair was too long.
The Beatles released their definitive double-A-sided single, "Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields," in the U.S.in 1967. It reached No. 1 in the States, but in their homeland, it made it only to No. 2.
Monkee Peter Tork was born in Washington, D.C., as Peter Halsten Thorkelston in 1942 (No wonder he changed it to ‘Tork’).
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (known as ASCAP) was formed in New York City in 1914. The society was founded to protect the copyrighted musical compositions of its members.
In 1957, Cuban officials announced a ban on all Rock & Roll programs on television, calling the music "offensive to public morals and good customs." They would soften their stance a couple of days later, but strict guide lines were put in place.
In 1961, Lawrence Welk gave hope to Rock & Roll hating parents when his instrumental "Calcutta" went to the top of the Billboard chart.
The Doors' "Touch Me" and Sly and the Family Stone's "Everyday People" were awarded gold records in 1969.
In 1971, six weeks after its chart debut, "One Bad Apple" by The Osmonds, reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed at #1 for 5 weeks. It was the first of ten Top 40 hits for the group.
In 1986, Rolling Stone magazine published the only known photograph of Blues legend Robert Johnson. (the photo was taken in a coin-operated photo booth in the early 30’s).
Buffalo Springfield's legendary “best-of album,” 'Retrospective', was released in 1969. It was later certified platinum, surpassing sales of one million.
Today in 1999, the song "Angel Of Mine" by Monica topped the charts and stayed there for 4 weeks.
Vocalist Henry Rollins (Black Flag/Henry Rollins Band) was born in Washington, D.C. in 1961.
Recorded in three days and costing less that $2,000 to produce, “Black Sabbath,” the group’s self-titled debut album, was unleashed on an unsuspecting world in 1970.
In 1973, "Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite," the soundtrack to an Elvis Presley TV Special, goes gold. Not surprising, since the program, broadcast two weeks earlier, was seen by more than one billion viewers.
The Country & Western duo of Buddy Holly and Bob Montgomery (Buddy & Bob) opened for Elvis Presley at a show in Lubbock, Texas in 1955.
The late "Tennessee" Ernie Ford ("Sixteen Tons") was born in 1919.
Peter Gabriel ("Games Without Frontiers" and one-time member of Genesis) turns 57.
Waylon Jennings died of complications from diabetes in 2002. At 21, he was a member of Buddy Holly's band who gave up his plane seat to the Big Bopper just before the doomed flight took off on February 3rd, 1959.
In 1981, Pink Floyd's ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ became the longest-running rock album on the Billboard albums chart. It was on the charts for an amazing 402 weeks. But it still had a few more years to go before it beats Johnny Mathis, whose ‘Greatest Hits’ was on the chart for a whopping 490 weeks.
Led Zeppelin fans in Singapore were disappointed when the group was forced to cancel a concert there in 1972. Drugs? Immoral behavior? Foul mouths? Naw, the conservative country's officials wouldn't let the band members get off the plane because their hair was too long.
The Beatles released their definitive double-A-sided single, "Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields," in the U.S.in 1967. It reached No. 1 in the States, but in their homeland, it made it only to No. 2.
Monkee Peter Tork was born in Washington, D.C., as Peter Halsten Thorkelston in 1942 (No wonder he changed it to ‘Tork’).
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (known as ASCAP) was formed in New York City in 1914. The society was founded to protect the copyrighted musical compositions of its members.
In 1957, Cuban officials announced a ban on all Rock & Roll programs on television, calling the music "offensive to public morals and good customs." They would soften their stance a couple of days later, but strict guide lines were put in place.
In 1961, Lawrence Welk gave hope to Rock & Roll hating parents when his instrumental "Calcutta" went to the top of the Billboard chart.
The Doors' "Touch Me" and Sly and the Family Stone's "Everyday People" were awarded gold records in 1969.
In 1971, six weeks after its chart debut, "One Bad Apple" by The Osmonds, reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed at #1 for 5 weeks. It was the first of ten Top 40 hits for the group.
In 1986, Rolling Stone magazine published the only known photograph of Blues legend Robert Johnson. (the photo was taken in a coin-operated photo booth in the early 30’s).
Monday, February 11, 2008
eBay record Sales Figures
Vinyl Records Top 5 eBay Sales-Week Ending 01/19/2008
1) LP - Hank Mobley self-titled LP Blue Note - $3500.00
2) 45 rpm - Jackie Day "Naughty Boy" / "I Want Your Love" Phelectron - $3,000.00
3) 45 rpm - Iron Maiden "Two Minutes To Midnight" Japanese Promo - $2,895.00
4) 78 rpm - Margaret Thornton "Jockey Blues" / "Texas Bound Blues" Black Patti - $2,4000.00
5) 45 rpm - New World "The World To-day" / "J.R." Virtue - $2,178.88
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vinyl Records Top 5 eBay Sales-Week Ending 01/12/2008
1) LP - U2 "Joshua Tree" Swedish Blue Vinyl - $4000.00
2) 45 rpm - Al Williams "I Am Nothing" / "Brand New Love" Palmer - $3,500.00
3) 45 rpm - Innersouls "Just Take Your Time" / "Thoughts" Plemmons - $2,469.44
4) 45 rpm - Elvis Presley "Milkcow Boogie Blues" / "You're A Heartbreaker" Sun 215 - $2,254.90
5) 45 rpm- Frankie Lyman "I'm Sorry" / "Sea Breeze" Big Apple - $1,901.00
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vinyl Records Top 5 eBay Sales-Week Ending 01/05/2008
1) 45 rpm - Freddie Butler "All Is Well" / "Save Your Love For Me" - $5,200.00
2) LP - Mariani "Perpetum Mobile" - $2,850.00
3) LP - Jutta Hipp "D.G. Flat" Blue Note Mono - $2,534.00
4) 45 rpm - Elvis Presley "That's All Right" / "Blue Moon Of Kentucky" - $1,726.99
5) LP - Billy Preston "Club Meeting" - $1,711.96
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1) LP - Hank Mobley self-titled LP Blue Note - $3500.00
2) 45 rpm - Jackie Day "Naughty Boy" / "I Want Your Love" Phelectron - $3,000.00
3) 45 rpm - Iron Maiden "Two Minutes To Midnight" Japanese Promo - $2,895.00
4) 78 rpm - Margaret Thornton "Jockey Blues" / "Texas Bound Blues" Black Patti - $2,4000.00
5) 45 rpm - New World "The World To-day" / "J.R." Virtue - $2,178.88
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vinyl Records Top 5 eBay Sales-Week Ending 01/12/2008
1) LP - U2 "Joshua Tree" Swedish Blue Vinyl - $4000.00
2) 45 rpm - Al Williams "I Am Nothing" / "Brand New Love" Palmer - $3,500.00
3) 45 rpm - Innersouls "Just Take Your Time" / "Thoughts" Plemmons - $2,469.44
4) 45 rpm - Elvis Presley "Milkcow Boogie Blues" / "You're A Heartbreaker" Sun 215 - $2,254.90
5) 45 rpm- Frankie Lyman "I'm Sorry" / "Sea Breeze" Big Apple - $1,901.00
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vinyl Records Top 5 eBay Sales-Week Ending 01/05/2008
1) 45 rpm - Freddie Butler "All Is Well" / "Save Your Love For Me" - $5,200.00
2) LP - Mariani "Perpetum Mobile" - $2,850.00
3) LP - Jutta Hipp "D.G. Flat" Blue Note Mono - $2,534.00
4) 45 rpm - Elvis Presley "That's All Right" / "Blue Moon Of Kentucky" - $1,726.99
5) LP - Billy Preston "Club Meeting" - $1,711.96
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Day In Music History- Feb 11
Birthday wishes to Eugene Vincent Craddock (a.k.a. Gene Vincent), who was born in Norfolk, Virginia in 1935. The leather-jacketed "Be-Bop-a-Lula" singer had an incalculable influence on British rockers like the Beatles and many others.
In 1956, Julia, John Lennon's mother, bought him his first guitar through a mail order ad. His incessant playing prompts John's Aunt Mimi to say, "The guitar's all very well as a hobby, John, but you'll never make a living out of it." John forms his first group, the Quarrymen.
America hit #1 in 1972 with the song "A Horse With No Name.”
In 1975, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers formed from the seeds of the disbanded Mudcrutch. The lineup: Tom Petty (vocals, guitar), Mike Campbell (guitar), Benmont Tench (keyboards), Ron Blair (bass), Stan Lynch (drums).
Brazilian lite-jazz kingpin Sergio Mendes ("The Fool On The Hill") turns 73.
Today in 1989, the song "Straight Up" by Paula Abdul topped the charts and stayed there for 3 weeks.
David Bowie performed his first gig as his Ziggy Stardust persona in Tollworth, England in 1972.
The Monkees saw their second album, "More of The Monkees" leap from position 122 to number 1 in 1967. The made-for-TV group only provided the vocals for the release but were backed by some of the finest studio musicians around, like Glen Campbell and Neil Sedaka. The L.P. contained the hits, "I'm a Believer" and "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone" and was produced by Carole King, Tommy Boyce, among others. After being pressured by the press, The Monkees announced that they will play their own instruments on all future recordings.
In 1964, the Beatles performed their first American concert at Washington, D.C.'s Washington Coliseum. Also on the bill are Tommy Roe, the Chiffons, and the Caravelles.
Otis Clay, generally acknowledged as one of Chicago's finest deep soul singers, was born in Waxhaw, MS in 1942.
Pop lyricist Gerry Goffin was born in Queens, N.Y. in 1939. Working at the Brill Building, he wrote scores of classics with Carole King, including "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" and "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman.”
The single "Superbowl Shuffle," by the Chicago Bears Shufflin' Crew was certified gold by the RIAA in 1986.
The third of four children, Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter, Sheryl Suzanne Crow, was born in Kennett, MO in 1962.
The Beatles finished recording their debut album in 1963. The songs like “I Saw Her Standing There,” “Boys” and “Twist And Shout,” along with assorted ballads, are the result of a marathon fourteen hour session. On top of it, Lennon had a bad cold. The last song recorded is "Twist And Shout" and Lennon nailed the song in one take. He had to, his voice was shot.
In 1967, the Turtles released their biggest hit, "Happy Together", which will reach #1 in the US in March.
The TV movie Elvis, starring Kurt Russell, aired on ABC in 1979, with an estimated audience of 43 million viewers tuning in.
In 1956, Julia, John Lennon's mother, bought him his first guitar through a mail order ad. His incessant playing prompts John's Aunt Mimi to say, "The guitar's all very well as a hobby, John, but you'll never make a living out of it." John forms his first group, the Quarrymen.
America hit #1 in 1972 with the song "A Horse With No Name.”
In 1975, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers formed from the seeds of the disbanded Mudcrutch. The lineup: Tom Petty (vocals, guitar), Mike Campbell (guitar), Benmont Tench (keyboards), Ron Blair (bass), Stan Lynch (drums).
Brazilian lite-jazz kingpin Sergio Mendes ("The Fool On The Hill") turns 73.
Today in 1989, the song "Straight Up" by Paula Abdul topped the charts and stayed there for 3 weeks.
David Bowie performed his first gig as his Ziggy Stardust persona in Tollworth, England in 1972.
The Monkees saw their second album, "More of The Monkees" leap from position 122 to number 1 in 1967. The made-for-TV group only provided the vocals for the release but were backed by some of the finest studio musicians around, like Glen Campbell and Neil Sedaka. The L.P. contained the hits, "I'm a Believer" and "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone" and was produced by Carole King, Tommy Boyce, among others. After being pressured by the press, The Monkees announced that they will play their own instruments on all future recordings.
In 1964, the Beatles performed their first American concert at Washington, D.C.'s Washington Coliseum. Also on the bill are Tommy Roe, the Chiffons, and the Caravelles.
Otis Clay, generally acknowledged as one of Chicago's finest deep soul singers, was born in Waxhaw, MS in 1942.
Pop lyricist Gerry Goffin was born in Queens, N.Y. in 1939. Working at the Brill Building, he wrote scores of classics with Carole King, including "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" and "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman.”
The single "Superbowl Shuffle," by the Chicago Bears Shufflin' Crew was certified gold by the RIAA in 1986.
The third of four children, Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter, Sheryl Suzanne Crow, was born in Kennett, MO in 1962.
The Beatles finished recording their debut album in 1963. The songs like “I Saw Her Standing There,” “Boys” and “Twist And Shout,” along with assorted ballads, are the result of a marathon fourteen hour session. On top of it, Lennon had a bad cold. The last song recorded is "Twist And Shout" and Lennon nailed the song in one take. He had to, his voice was shot.
In 1967, the Turtles released their biggest hit, "Happy Together", which will reach #1 in the US in March.
The TV movie Elvis, starring Kurt Russell, aired on ABC in 1979, with an estimated audience of 43 million viewers tuning in.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
This Day In Music History- Feb 9
Songwriter and '70s solo superstar Carole King was born Carole Klein in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1942. Her hits included "Up On the Roof" and "You've Got a Friend."
Bill Haley died in Harlingen, Texas in 1981. His 1955 hit "Rock Around the Clock" is widely considered the first No. 1 of the rock era. Haley and his Comets sold 60 million records worldwide.
In 1991, C&C Music Factory featuring Freedom Williams hits #1 US with "Gonna Make Sweat.”
Today in 1957, the song "Too Much," by Elvis Presley topped the charts and stayed there for 3 weeks.
"Hey Paula" by Paul & Paula topped the charts in 1963 for a 3 week run.
In 1974, "Love's Theme" by the Love Unlimited Orchestra topped the charts.
In 2006, Beyonce topped the U.S. singles chart for a third week with "Check on It." The highest new entry is songwriter Teddy Geiger's "For You I Will (Confidence)," at No. 90.
In 2005, The Who's Roger Daltrey was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire at Buckingham Palace. The rock gnome jokes the Queen would "probably fall off her podium if she heard The Who's songs."
In 2005, organist Jimmy Smith, who single-handedly introduced jazz to the power and versatility of the electric Hammond B3, died at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona, at age 79.
In 1991, modern gospel composer the Rev. James Cleveland died at age 58. His 1962 album “Peace Be Still,” sold 800,000 copies and established the blueprint for contemporary gospel recordings.
Today in 1970, the No. 1 LP in the U.K. was Led Zeppelin II.
Joe Ely, twang-driven singer-songwriter and one-third of the famed Flatlanders, was born in Amarillo, Texas in 1947. In the '70s he moved into rockabilly mode, opening for the Clash.
Pop/soul singer and composer Barbara Lewis was born in South Lyon, Michigan in 1943. Her biggest hit was 1963's No. 3 "Hello Stranger."
In 1939, songwriter Barry Mann, who with his wife, Cynthia Weill, wrote such pop classics as "On Broadway" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling," was born in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Ernest Tubb, one of the first great honky-tonk singers, was born in Crisp, Texas in 1914.
In 1961, the Beatles played Liverpool’s Cavern Club. They performed at the venue three years earlier but were then known as the Quarry Men.
In 1958, a report by the American Research Bureau cited Dick Clark's American Bandstand as the top-ranked daytime television program, drawing an average of 8,400,000 viewers per day. (take that-Oprah!)
Lloyd Price reached number one on the Billboard Pop chart in 1959, with "Stagger Lee", an up-dated version of an old Folk song called "Stack-O-Lee". Wilson Pickett would take the song to number 22 in 1967.
In 1976, Percy Faith, who led his orchestra to the top of the US chart with "Theme From A Summer Place" in 1960, died of cancer. He was 62.
Bill Haley died in Harlingen, Texas in 1981. His 1955 hit "Rock Around the Clock" is widely considered the first No. 1 of the rock era. Haley and his Comets sold 60 million records worldwide.
In 1991, C&C Music Factory featuring Freedom Williams hits #1 US with "Gonna Make Sweat.”
Today in 1957, the song "Too Much," by Elvis Presley topped the charts and stayed there for 3 weeks.
"Hey Paula" by Paul & Paula topped the charts in 1963 for a 3 week run.
In 1974, "Love's Theme" by the Love Unlimited Orchestra topped the charts.
In 2006, Beyonce topped the U.S. singles chart for a third week with "Check on It." The highest new entry is songwriter Teddy Geiger's "For You I Will (Confidence)," at No. 90.
In 2005, The Who's Roger Daltrey was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire at Buckingham Palace. The rock gnome jokes the Queen would "probably fall off her podium if she heard The Who's songs."
In 2005, organist Jimmy Smith, who single-handedly introduced jazz to the power and versatility of the electric Hammond B3, died at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona, at age 79.
In 1991, modern gospel composer the Rev. James Cleveland died at age 58. His 1962 album “Peace Be Still,” sold 800,000 copies and established the blueprint for contemporary gospel recordings.
Today in 1970, the No. 1 LP in the U.K. was Led Zeppelin II.
Joe Ely, twang-driven singer-songwriter and one-third of the famed Flatlanders, was born in Amarillo, Texas in 1947. In the '70s he moved into rockabilly mode, opening for the Clash.
Pop/soul singer and composer Barbara Lewis was born in South Lyon, Michigan in 1943. Her biggest hit was 1963's No. 3 "Hello Stranger."
In 1939, songwriter Barry Mann, who with his wife, Cynthia Weill, wrote such pop classics as "On Broadway" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling," was born in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Ernest Tubb, one of the first great honky-tonk singers, was born in Crisp, Texas in 1914.
In 1961, the Beatles played Liverpool’s Cavern Club. They performed at the venue three years earlier but were then known as the Quarry Men.
In 1958, a report by the American Research Bureau cited Dick Clark's American Bandstand as the top-ranked daytime television program, drawing an average of 8,400,000 viewers per day. (take that-Oprah!)
Lloyd Price reached number one on the Billboard Pop chart in 1959, with "Stagger Lee", an up-dated version of an old Folk song called "Stack-O-Lee". Wilson Pickett would take the song to number 22 in 1967.
In 1976, Percy Faith, who led his orchestra to the top of the US chart with "Theme From A Summer Place" in 1960, died of cancer. He was 62.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
This Day In Music History- Feb 7
"50 Ways to Leave Your Lover," by Paul Simon, reached #1 in 1976 for the first of three weeks at the top position. It is the biggest single of his career.
Sammy Johns ("Chevy Van") is 62.
The late King Curtis ("Soul Twist") was born in 1934.
A thousand people (including Phil Everly) showed up for Buddy Holly's funeral in Lubbock, Texas and Ritchie Valens was laid to rest in San Fernando, California, in 1959.
In 1989, a bill is sponsored to make "Tutti Frutti" the official Georgia state song (Bubba vetoed it).
The TV mini-series "Elvis And Me" (based on Priscilla Presley's book) begins airing on ABC in 1981.
Shocking Blue, a three man, one woman band from Holland, had the top single in America with in 1970 with the song "Venus."
Today the song "Celebration" by Kool & the Gang topped the charts and stayed there for 2 weeks. (1981)
Today the song "Open Your Heart" by Madonna topped the charts and stayed there for a week. (1987)
Dale Evans, Roy Rogers' better half and a co-writer of their song "Happy Trails," died of congestive heart failure in 2001. She was 88.
Foghat's "Lonesome" Dave Peverett succumbs to cancer. The 57-year-old singer and guitarist led the popular '70s hard rock quartet to top 20 glory with "Slow Ride."
In 1969, George Harrison enters London's University College Hospital to have an operation on his infected back molar and tonsils. (it was news back then!)
The Beatles land at New York's Kennedy Airport to make their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. A crowd of 4,000 screaming fans meets them.
In 1962, Bon Jovi keyboardist David Bryan is born David Rashbaum in Sayreville, N.J.
Country superstar Garth Brooks was born in Tulsa, OK in 1962.
Eddie "Guitar Slim" Jones died in New York of pneumonia at age 33 in 1959. His use of distortion and flamboyant stage manner - Slim would dye his hair to match his outfits - influenced guitarists like Albert Collins and Jimi Hendrix.
In 1979, at Los Angeles' Record Plant studio, Stephen Stills test drives to a new method of digital recording. He later scraps the sessions, and Ry Cooder becomes the first rock performer to release a digitally recorded album.
Rhythm guitarist Tom Fogerty leaves Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1971, to spend more time with his family. CCR continues for another year and a half as a trio.
Limp Bizkit guitarist Wesley (Wes) Louden Borland was born in Richmond, VA in 1975.
In 1957, Iraq banned the film "Rock Around The Clock” (featuring Bill Haley & His Comets and Little Richard) because it "dangerous to teenagers and youths." Forty-six years later the U.S. finally retaliated by invading Iraq.
In 1984, Michael Jackson is noted in the Guinness Book of Records when his album "Thriller" passes the 25 million sales mark.
51 year old Carl Wilson, lead guitarist of The Beach Boys, died on February 7th in 1998, of lung cancer. He had also been battling brain cancer for over a year. Carl formed The Beach Boys with brothers Dennis and Brian, along cousin Mike Love in 1961 and was the lead vocalist on their hits, "God Only Knows" and "Good Vibrations".
Sammy Johns ("Chevy Van") is 62.
The late King Curtis ("Soul Twist") was born in 1934.
A thousand people (including Phil Everly) showed up for Buddy Holly's funeral in Lubbock, Texas and Ritchie Valens was laid to rest in San Fernando, California, in 1959.
In 1989, a bill is sponsored to make "Tutti Frutti" the official Georgia state song (Bubba vetoed it).
The TV mini-series "Elvis And Me" (based on Priscilla Presley's book) begins airing on ABC in 1981.
Shocking Blue, a three man, one woman band from Holland, had the top single in America with in 1970 with the song "Venus."
Today the song "Celebration" by Kool & the Gang topped the charts and stayed there for 2 weeks. (1981)
Today the song "Open Your Heart" by Madonna topped the charts and stayed there for a week. (1987)
Dale Evans, Roy Rogers' better half and a co-writer of their song "Happy Trails," died of congestive heart failure in 2001. She was 88.
Foghat's "Lonesome" Dave Peverett succumbs to cancer. The 57-year-old singer and guitarist led the popular '70s hard rock quartet to top 20 glory with "Slow Ride."
In 1969, George Harrison enters London's University College Hospital to have an operation on his infected back molar and tonsils. (it was news back then!)
The Beatles land at New York's Kennedy Airport to make their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. A crowd of 4,000 screaming fans meets them.
In 1962, Bon Jovi keyboardist David Bryan is born David Rashbaum in Sayreville, N.J.
Country superstar Garth Brooks was born in Tulsa, OK in 1962.
Eddie "Guitar Slim" Jones died in New York of pneumonia at age 33 in 1959. His use of distortion and flamboyant stage manner - Slim would dye his hair to match his outfits - influenced guitarists like Albert Collins and Jimi Hendrix.
In 1979, at Los Angeles' Record Plant studio, Stephen Stills test drives to a new method of digital recording. He later scraps the sessions, and Ry Cooder becomes the first rock performer to release a digitally recorded album.
Rhythm guitarist Tom Fogerty leaves Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1971, to spend more time with his family. CCR continues for another year and a half as a trio.
Limp Bizkit guitarist Wesley (Wes) Louden Borland was born in Richmond, VA in 1975.
In 1957, Iraq banned the film "Rock Around The Clock” (featuring Bill Haley & His Comets and Little Richard) because it "dangerous to teenagers and youths." Forty-six years later the U.S. finally retaliated by invading Iraq.
In 1984, Michael Jackson is noted in the Guinness Book of Records when his album "Thriller" passes the 25 million sales mark.
51 year old Carl Wilson, lead guitarist of The Beach Boys, died on February 7th in 1998, of lung cancer. He had also been battling brain cancer for over a year. Carl formed The Beach Boys with brothers Dennis and Brian, along cousin Mike Love in 1961 and was the lead vocalist on their hits, "God Only Knows" and "Good Vibrations".
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Look for me at ilike2rock.net Internet Radio
I want to thank DJ Tom at www.ilike2rock.net Intenet Radio (all independent-all the time!) for allowing me to be the featured columnist for the Station. I even have my own page and appreciate the set up. Look for more news about what we have planned, including a "Vinyl Mind" segment! Check out the page here:
http://www.ilike2rock.net/vinylmind.html
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