As a special treat for the holidays, I am reprinting a very popular series I call Rock & Roll Trivia. Interesting tidbits about our music and our musicians, this will be posted every day until Christmas. Enjoy:
On December 17th, 1977, David Ackroyd became the first record buyer to receive a Gold Disc when he purchased the one-millionth copy of "Mull Of Kintyre" by Wings.
In December of 1969, Mick Jagger was quoted saying "I don't really like singing very much, I enjoy playing the guitar more than I enjoy singing and I can't play the guitar either."
Ross Bagdasarian (Davis Seville) named The Chipmunks after executives at Liberty records. Alvin was named for Al Bennett, president of the company, Simon was named after Bennett's partner, Si Waronker and Theodore was named for Ted Keep, a recording engineer.
"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" was written by Johnny Marks and recorded by Brenda Lee in 1958. Although Decca released it in both that year and again in 1959, it did not catch on until Lee rose to stardom in 1960. That Christmas season, it reached #16 on the Billboard Pop chart and has since become a perennial holiday favourite. The song continues to sell well during the holiday season and rose to #5 on the Christmas chart in 1984.
One of the strangest moments in Pop music history took place on September 11, 1977, when two stars from different generations, David Bowie and Bing Crosby, got together to tape "The Little Drummer Boy" and "Peace On Earth" for Bing's upcoming Christmas TV special. The pair rehearsed for an hour and finished their duet in only three takes, but Bing died a month later having never seen the video.
In October, 2000, George Michael paid over $2 million for the piano that John Lennon used to write "Imagine". It is a simple upright model and not the white piano that appeared on the album cover.
John Lennon often expressed his dislike for Winston Churchill, the former British Prime Minister that he was named after. He felt so strongly that he had his middle name changed from Winston to Ono after he married Yoko.
Andy White, who played drums on The Beatles' track "Love Me Do", which was included on the Beatles Greatest Hits album, did not earn any money in royalties from it. He only received his original session fee of £7 ($14 US), which is not even enough for him to buy his own copy of the album.
Gloucestershire airport in England used to blast Tina Turner songs on its runways to scare birds away.
The much publicized Jerry Lee Lewis pistol-waving episode outside Graceland in 1976 is said to be a misunderstanding. Jerry and Elvis were long time friends and he had been invited to visit. A pistol on the dashboard of Jerry's car had been given to him earlier that evening as a present and when security guards at the Gracelands gates saw the pistol and asked Jerry if he'd come to shoot Elvis, Jerry just joked: "Sure I have." This led to the arrest and the subsequent press stories.
After Sam Cooke turned down "Travelin' Man", Ricky Nelson recorded the song and had a Billboard chart topping single with it in 1961.
Before assembling AC/DC, Malcolm Young played with the Velvet Underground- not THE Velvet Underground; Young's band mates were Australians who simply stole the name.
One of Motley Crue's earliest stage gimmicks was to light their pants on fire. Brings new meaning to the term- 'liar, liar-pants on fire.'
In 1963, the brother and sister team of Nino Tempo and April Stevens took "Deep Purple" to Billboard's number one position. The same song had topped the charts for Larry McClinton in 1939 and would become a #14 hit for Donny and Marie Osmond in 1976.
1950s crooner Perry Como, who scored many hits including "Round and Round", "Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes" and "Hot Diggity", was the seventh son of a seventh son.
The Righteous Brothers' hit "Unchained Melody" was never intended to be a single. It was recorded as an album cut and later pressed on the "B" side of the 45 "Hung On You". When it was released, DJs flipped the disc over and "Unchained Melody" quickly rose to #4 in the US and #1 in the UK.
Barry Manilow recorded his vocal and piano parts for "Mandy" in just one take.
Elvis Presley was a devoted animal lover. He owned dogs, mules, horses, peacocks, chickens, a turkey and had a silly mynah bird that said, "Elvis! Go to hell!"
We all know that Elvis loved his food. "I like it well-done," the legendary icon stated. "I ain't ordering a pet."
While we are on the subject, it seems that rowdy Allman Brother Dickey Betts was out riding his motorcycle one day and he was hungry. So he stopped his machine, jumped a fence and killed a cow. As he was butchering the animal, a cop passed by and quickly arrested the bloody Brother.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Music News & Notes
LIFELOVER REVEAL NEW ALBUM COVER ART
Swedish depressive post-rockers Lifelover have recently published the cover art to their soon-to-come new album, 'Sjukdom,' with an estimated release date of February 14th, 2011 through current label Prophecy Productions.
---------------------
Children of Bodom Reveal New Album Track Listing and Cover Art
The wild Finnish melodic black metal band Children of Bodom have released a lengthy statement on their Facebook page yesterday morning about their upcoming album 'Relentless Reckless Forever.' The statement contains both the new cover art and a link to a video trailer. 'Relentless Reckless Forever' is due to be released on March 8, 2011 on Universal Music.
The track list:
1. Not My Funeral
2. Shovel Knockout
3. Roundtrip to Hell and Back
4. Pussyfoot Miss Suicide
5. Relentless Reckless Forever
6. Ugly
7. Cry of the Nihilist
8. Was It Worth It?
9. Northpole Throwdown
10. Party All the Time (* Eddie Murphy)
--------------------
System Of A Down Announces Reunion Shows
After an indefinite hiatus that has lasted for four years, California-based alternative metallers System Of A Down have announced that they will be returning to the stage next year for a series of shows in Europe. A message from the band's website reads as follows:
"We are excited to announce that System will be playing some dates together in 2011.
"We also want to thank you for your loyalty and support, not only to System Of A Down, but to all of our solo efforts as well. We have no master plan of sorts - we are playing these shows simply because we want to play together again as a band and for you, our amazing fans. We look forward to seeing all of you!"
---------------------
HOLY GRAIL And THE FUNERAL PYRE Albums To Be Made Available On Vinyl
Prosthetic Records will release HOLY GRAIL's "Crisis In Utopia" and THE FUNERAL PYRE's "Vultures At Dawn" on vinyl for the first time on February 1, 2011.
HOLY GRAIL's acclaimed debut album, produced by Danny Lohner (NINE INCH NAILS, A PERFECT CIRCLE), will be available on black wax, with a limited run of 100 clear pieces. The band, which has recently toured with AMON AMARTH and EXODUS, is currently on the road with BLIND GUARDIAN, and will be back on the road early in the new year alongside ELUVEITIE and 3 INCHES OF BLOOD.
The vinyl release of THE FUNERAL PYRE's fourth album, hailed as "pure kvlt grimness" by Decibel, is limited to 500 copies. It will be pressed on 180-gram black vinyl and will include a gatefold poster featuring artwork by Justin Bartlett (TRAP THEM, WATAIN, GORGOROTH). The group kicks off a brief West Coast run tonight and will be announcing a full U.S. tour in the coming weeks.
Both titles are available now for pre-order at the Prosthetic webstore. Prosthetic Records
---------------------
LINKIN PARK, AC/DC, GODSMACK, Among Top-Selling Hard Rock Albums Of 2010
Billboard magazine has published a list of the top-selling hard rock and metal albums, ranked by sales data as compiled by Nielsen SoundScan. (Note: Not all the albums on the list were actually released during 2010.)
01. Dark Horse - NICKELBACK
02. A Thousand Suns - LINKIN PARK
03. Iron Man 2 (Soundtrack) - AC/DC
04. The Oracle - GODSMACK
05. Nightmare - AVENGED SEVENFOLD
06. Asylum - DISTURBED
07. Dear Agony - BREAKING BENJAMIN
08. The Sound Of Madness - SHINEDOWN
09. Them Crooked Vultures - THEM CROOKED VULTURES
10. Valleys Of Neptune - JIMI HENDRIX
11. Night Castle - TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA
12. War Is The Answer - FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH
13. Life Starts Now - THREE DAYS GRACE
14. Greatest Hits - FOO FIGHTERS
15. Scream - OZZY OSBOURNE
16. Memento Mori - FLYLEAF
17. Fever - BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE
18. Black Gives Way To Blue - ALICE IN CHAINS
19. Backspacer - PEARL JAM
20. Cage The Elephant - CAGE THE ELEPHANT
21. Full Circle - CREED
22. Greatest Hits - MÖTLEY CRÜE
23. Slash - SLASH
24. Diamond Eyes - DEFTONES
25. Hellbilly Deluxe 2 - ROB ZOMBIE
26. Korn III: Remember Who You Are - KORN
27. Scars & Souvenirs - THEORY OF A DEADMAN
28. The Final Frontier - IRON MAIDEN
29. Stone Temple Pilots - STONE TEMPLE PILOTS
30. Mudvayne - MUDVAYNE
31. Tri-Polar - SICK PUPPIES
32. Audio Secrecy - STONE SOUR
33. Greatest Hits - THE WHO
34. Greatest Hits - BON JOVI
35. Powerless Rise - AS I LAY DYING
36. All Hope Is Gone - SLIPKNOT
37. Year Of The Black Rainbow - COHEED AND CAMBRIA
38. Stampede - HELLYEAH
39. Chickenfoot - CHICKENFOOT
40. Swan Songs - HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD
41. Order Of The Black - BLACK LABEL SOCIETY
42. Volume 4: Songs In The Key Of Love And Hate - PUDDLE OF MUDD
43. All Night Long - BUCKCHERRY
44. For We Are Many - ALL THAT REMAINS
45. Desperate Measures - HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD
46. Miss America - SAVING ABEL
47. Custom Built - BRET MICHAELS
48. Cold Day Memory - SEVENDUST
49. World Painted Blood - SLAYER
50. Sonic Boom - KISS
---------------------
Paul McCartney Pays Tribute To John Lennon
The legendary singer appeared on the Late Night With Jimmy Fallon on Thursday (November 9) performing 'Here Today' for Lennon.
''This is like a song that's a conversation we never had," McCartney said beforehand.
He added: "I always say to people, 'If you love someone, tell them now,' because there may come a point when it's too late and you think 'I wish you said that.'"
Millions of Beatles fans around the world marked the 30th anniversary of John Lennon's death on Wednesday (November 8).
---------------------
GIRLSCHOOL Re-Recording Classic 'Hit And Run' Album
Veteran British female hard rockers GIRLSCHOOL are currently in the studio re-recording their classic 1981 album 'Hit And Run.' The new version of the LP will be released in 2011 to celebrate the album's 30th anniversary.
'Hit And Run' was originally made available in March 1981, followed a short time later by a single featuring the title track. Both releases were very successful in the U.K., with the album reaching position No. 5 and the single No. 32 on their respective charts. The LP also charted in New Zealand and in Canada, where it went gold.
---------------------
Children of Bodom Reveal New Album Track Listing and Cover Art
The track list:
1. Not My Funeral
2. Shovel Knockout
3. Roundtrip to Hell and Back
4. Pussyfoot Miss Suicide
5. Relentless Reckless Forever
6. Ugly
7. Cry of the Nihilist
8. Was It Worth It?
9. Northpole Throwdown
10. Party All the Time (* Eddie Murphy)
--------------------
System Of A Down Announces Reunion Shows
After an indefinite hiatus that has lasted for four years, California-based alternative metallers System Of A Down have announced that they will be returning to the stage next year for a series of shows in Europe. A message from the band's website reads as follows:
"We are excited to announce that System will be playing some dates together in 2011.
"We also want to thank you for your loyalty and support, not only to System Of A Down, but to all of our solo efforts as well. We have no master plan of sorts - we are playing these shows simply because we want to play together again as a band and for you, our amazing fans. We look forward to seeing all of you!"
---------------------
HOLY GRAIL And THE FUNERAL PYRE Albums To Be Made Available On Vinyl
HOLY GRAIL's acclaimed debut album, produced by Danny Lohner (NINE INCH NAILS, A PERFECT CIRCLE), will be available on black wax, with a limited run of 100 clear pieces. The band, which has recently toured with AMON AMARTH and EXODUS, is currently on the road with BLIND GUARDIAN, and will be back on the road early in the new year alongside ELUVEITIE and 3 INCHES OF BLOOD.
The vinyl release of THE FUNERAL PYRE's fourth album, hailed as "pure kvlt grimness" by Decibel, is limited to 500 copies. It will be pressed on 180-gram black vinyl and will include a gatefold poster featuring artwork by Justin Bartlett (TRAP THEM, WATAIN, GORGOROTH). The group kicks off a brief West Coast run tonight and will be announcing a full U.S. tour in the coming weeks.
Both titles are available now for pre-order at the Prosthetic webstore. Prosthetic Records
---------------------
LINKIN PARK, AC/DC, GODSMACK, Among Top-Selling Hard Rock Albums Of 2010
Billboard magazine has published a list of the top-selling hard rock and metal albums, ranked by sales data as compiled by Nielsen SoundScan. (Note: Not all the albums on the list were actually released during 2010.)
01. Dark Horse - NICKELBACK
02. A Thousand Suns - LINKIN PARK
03. Iron Man 2 (Soundtrack) - AC/DC
04. The Oracle - GODSMACK
05. Nightmare - AVENGED SEVENFOLD
06. Asylum - DISTURBED
07. Dear Agony - BREAKING BENJAMIN
08. The Sound Of Madness - SHINEDOWN
09. Them Crooked Vultures - THEM CROOKED VULTURES
10. Valleys Of Neptune - JIMI HENDRIX
11. Night Castle - TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA
12. War Is The Answer - FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH
13. Life Starts Now - THREE DAYS GRACE
14. Greatest Hits - FOO FIGHTERS
15. Scream - OZZY OSBOURNE
16. Memento Mori - FLYLEAF
17. Fever - BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE
18. Black Gives Way To Blue - ALICE IN CHAINS
19. Backspacer - PEARL JAM
20. Cage The Elephant - CAGE THE ELEPHANT
21. Full Circle - CREED
22. Greatest Hits - MÖTLEY CRÜE
23. Slash - SLASH
24. Diamond Eyes - DEFTONES
25. Hellbilly Deluxe 2 - ROB ZOMBIE
26. Korn III: Remember Who You Are - KORN
27. Scars & Souvenirs - THEORY OF A DEADMAN
28. The Final Frontier - IRON MAIDEN
29. Stone Temple Pilots - STONE TEMPLE PILOTS
30. Mudvayne - MUDVAYNE
31. Tri-Polar - SICK PUPPIES
32. Audio Secrecy - STONE SOUR
33. Greatest Hits - THE WHO
34. Greatest Hits - BON JOVI
35. Powerless Rise - AS I LAY DYING
36. All Hope Is Gone - SLIPKNOT
37. Year Of The Black Rainbow - COHEED AND CAMBRIA
38. Stampede - HELLYEAH
39. Chickenfoot - CHICKENFOOT
40. Swan Songs - HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD
41. Order Of The Black - BLACK LABEL SOCIETY
42. Volume 4: Songs In The Key Of Love And Hate - PUDDLE OF MUDD
43. All Night Long - BUCKCHERRY
44. For We Are Many - ALL THAT REMAINS
45. Desperate Measures - HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD
46. Miss America - SAVING ABEL
47. Custom Built - BRET MICHAELS
48. Cold Day Memory - SEVENDUST
49. World Painted Blood - SLAYER
50. Sonic Boom - KISS
---------------------
Paul McCartney Pays Tribute To John Lennon
''This is like a song that's a conversation we never had," McCartney said beforehand.
He added: "I always say to people, 'If you love someone, tell them now,' because there may come a point when it's too late and you think 'I wish you said that.'"
Millions of Beatles fans around the world marked the 30th anniversary of John Lennon's death on Wednesday (November 8).
---------------------
GIRLSCHOOL Re-Recording Classic 'Hit And Run' Album
'Hit And Run' was originally made available in March 1981, followed a short time later by a single featuring the title track. Both releases were very successful in the U.K., with the album reaching position No. 5 and the single No. 32 on their respective charts. The LP also charted in New Zealand and in Canada, where it went gold.
Marley's Last Live Performance Celebrated on Exclusive 2-CD Collection
Universal Music Enterprises to Release Bob Marley & The Wailers - Live Forever: The Stanley Theatre, Pittsburgh, PA, September 23, 1980
Available For the First Time on CD/LP/Digital
New York, Dec. 10, 2010 //PRNewswire/ --Recorded 30 years ago while Marley was touring in support of his album Uprising, Live Forever is Bob Marley's last recorded concert. This never before released audio collection offers an incredible snapshot of one of music's most influential performers.
Bob Marley & The Wailers – Live Forever: The Stanley Theatre, Pittsburgh, PA, September 23, 1980 (UMe/Tuff Gong International) is a 2CD/3LP/digital collection that features many of Bob's most cherished songs, and is available for the first time on February 1, 2011. This unforgettable concert contains unique performances of "No Woman No Cry," "Jammin'," and "Is This Love," to name a few, and depicts a musical innovator and inspiration to people of many cultures and generations. This spectacular audio documentary Live Forever, also immortalizes the last song Marley ever performed live in concert: "Get Up Stand Up," his rally cry for equality.
"Bob's music has always conveyed a message of hope, unity and love. It has brought countless people together as it did that night 30 years ago in Pittsburgh. To hear that music today and to be able to share it with a new generation shows that Bob is as relevant today as he was 30 years ago," says Rita Marley.
The momentous occasion captured on Live Forever is now available on 2CD/3LP/digital, for the benefit of all who missed their first opportunity to attend that magical evening. Marley's influence on today's musical landscape and his continuous worldwide appeal is still evident today. And his legacy and message carry on.
Uprising's most notable song, "Redemption Song," is featured on this extraordinary release and has been covered by everyone from Rihanna and the Dave Matthews Band to Stevie Wonder and Chris Cornell. His hits compilation, Legend, has also spent an astonishing 1,000 weeks on the Billboard catalog chart sitting at #1 for 110 of those weeks. The celebration of Marley's work continues as Legend gets the video game treatment and is available for download as part of the best-selling Rock Band series. The Marley family also plans to commemorate Bob Marley and his legacy with other celebratory events throughout the year in 2011.
CD 1
CD 2
01. GREETINGS
01. JAMMING
02. NATURAL MYSTIC
02. EXODUS
03. POSITIVE VIBRATION
03. REDEMPTION SONG
04. BURNIN' AND LOOTIN'
04. COMING IN FROM THE COLD
05. THEM BELLY FULL
05. COULD YOU BE LOVED
06. THE HEATHEN
06. IS THIS LOVE
07. RUNNING AWAY
07. WORK
08. CRAZY BALDHEAD
08. GET UP STAND UP
09. WAR/NO MORE TROUBLE
10. ZIMBABWE
11. ZION TRAIN
12. NO WOMAN NO CRY
http://www.bobmarley.com/
SOURCE Universal Music Enterprises
Available For the First Time on CD/LP/Digital
Bob Marley & The Wailers – Live Forever: The Stanley Theatre, Pittsburgh, PA, September 23, 1980 (UMe/Tuff Gong International) is a 2CD/3LP/digital collection that features many of Bob's most cherished songs, and is available for the first time on February 1, 2011. This unforgettable concert contains unique performances of "No Woman No Cry," "Jammin'," and "Is This Love," to name a few, and depicts a musical innovator and inspiration to people of many cultures and generations. This spectacular audio documentary Live Forever, also immortalizes the last song Marley ever performed live in concert: "Get Up Stand Up," his rally cry for equality.
"Bob's music has always conveyed a message of hope, unity and love. It has brought countless people together as it did that night 30 years ago in Pittsburgh. To hear that music today and to be able to share it with a new generation shows that Bob is as relevant today as he was 30 years ago," says Rita Marley.
The momentous occasion captured on Live Forever is now available on 2CD/3LP/digital, for the benefit of all who missed their first opportunity to attend that magical evening. Marley's influence on today's musical landscape and his continuous worldwide appeal is still evident today. And his legacy and message carry on.
Uprising's most notable song, "Redemption Song," is featured on this extraordinary release and has been covered by everyone from Rihanna and the Dave Matthews Band to Stevie Wonder and Chris Cornell. His hits compilation, Legend, has also spent an astonishing 1,000 weeks on the Billboard catalog chart sitting at #1 for 110 of those weeks. The celebration of Marley's work continues as Legend gets the video game treatment and is available for download as part of the best-selling Rock Band series. The Marley family also plans to commemorate Bob Marley and his legacy with other celebratory events throughout the year in 2011.
CD 1
CD 2
01. GREETINGS
01. JAMMING
02. NATURAL MYSTIC
02. EXODUS
03. POSITIVE VIBRATION
03. REDEMPTION SONG
04. BURNIN' AND LOOTIN'
04. COMING IN FROM THE COLD
05. THEM BELLY FULL
05. COULD YOU BE LOVED
06. THE HEATHEN
06. IS THIS LOVE
07. RUNNING AWAY
07. WORK
08. CRAZY BALDHEAD
08. GET UP STAND UP
09. WAR/NO MORE TROUBLE
10. ZIMBABWE
11. ZION TRAIN
12. NO WOMAN NO CRY
http://www.bobmarley.com/
SOURCE Universal Music Enterprises
This Date In Music History - December 11
Birthdays:
David Gates - Bread (1940)
Brenda Lee (1944)
Booker T. Jones - Booker T. & the MG's (1944)
Philip 'Spike' Edney - known as the fifth member of Queen. Also worked with Duran Duran, Boomtown Rats, Dexy's Midnight Runners, Haircut 100, the Rolling Stones and others (1951)
Jermaine Jackson - Jackson Five (1954)
Mike Mesaros - Smithereens (1957)
Nikki Sixx - Motley Crue (1958)
Darryl Jones - Rolling Stones since Bill Wyman's departure in 1993. Also worked with Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Sting, Peter Gabriel, Madonna, Eric Clapton and Joan Armatrading (1961)
Curtis Williams - Kool & The Gang (1962)
David Schools - Widespread Panic (1964)
DJ Yella - NWA (1967)
Mo'Nique (1968)
They Are Missed:
Born today in 1926, Big Mama Thornton, singer, songwriter. Janis Joplin covered her song "Ball And Chain," and she had the 1953 version of "Hound Dog" before Elvis Presley. She died in 1984.
Born on this day in 1916, Perez Prado, (1955 US & UK No.1 single "Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom White"). He died on September 14, 1989.
J. Frank Wilson (December 11, 1941 – October 4, 1991) was the lead vocalist for the approprietly named group J. Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers' first chart hit was "Last Kiss," a song written by Wayne Cochran, who had based the song on a car accident in Barnesville, Georgia, near where he lived. The song, while only garnering minor success for Wayne Cochran & The C.C. Riders, found major success for the Cavaliers. "Last Kiss" became a hit in June of 1964, it reached the Top 10 in October of that year, eventually reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc. "Last Kiss" was subsequently covered successfully by Wednesday and Pearl Jam.
History:
In 1957, 22 year old Jerry Lee Lewis secretly married his 13 year-old second cousin, Myra Gale Brown, while still married to Jane Mitcham. The Killer had first married when he was 16 to Dorothy Barton, the daughter of a local preacher. Mitcham became his second wife in a shotgun ceremony and before he had divorced the previous Mrs. Lewis. The marriage to Myra would last until 1970 and at last count, Jerry Lee has been married six times.
The Coasters record "Charlie Brown" in 1958, which would go on to reach number 2 in the US early in 1959.
Aretha Franklin made her New York debut at the Village Vanguard in 1960.
Motown Records achieved their first number one song in 1961 when The Marvelettes' "Please Mr. Postman" reached the top. The session musicians on the track included 22 year old Marvin Gaye on drums. The song also gave the Carpenters a US #1 and UK #2 single in 1975.
In 1961, Elvis Presley started a 20 week run at the top of the Billboard album chart with "Blue Hawaii," his seventh US #1 album.
In 1964, soul singer Sam Cooke was shot and killed in a Los Angeles motel. According to court testimony, Cooke picked up a 22 year old woman named Elisa Boyer at a party. He promised her a ride home but they ended up at a motel. Boyer claims Cooke forced her into the motel room and began ripping her clothes off. She managed to escape while he was in the bathroom. While she called police from a phone booth, Cooke began pounding on the office door of the motel's manager, Bertha Franklin. He demanded to know where Campbell was and allegedly broke the door open. Cooke reportedly attacked Franklin, who then shot him three times. By the time the police arrived, Sam Cooke was dead. A jury would later return a verdict of justifiable homicide. Cooke was 33 years old.
In 1965, the Beatles, on their last tour of Britain, played two shows at the Astoria Cinema in Finsbury Park, London.
In 1967, a London Appeals Court commuted Brian Jones' nine-month prison stay for possession of cannabis after hearing testimony from three psychiatrists that Jones is "an extremely frightened young man" and could not stand nine months behind bars. He was given 3 years probation and a $1,500 fine.
Filming began for the Rolling Stones flick 'Rock & Roll Circus, in 1968. As well as clowns and acrobats, John & Yoko, The Who, Eric Clapton and Jethro Tull all took part. The film was eventually released in 1996.
Ringo Starr's movie "The Magic Christian" premiered in London in 1970.
James Brown 32nd album, "Revolution of the Mind," was released in 1971.
Carly Simon's "Anticipation" was released in 1971.
James Brown was arrested after a show in Knoxville, TN in 1972, and charged with "disorderly conduct" after being accused of trying to incite a riot. The charges were dropped when Brown threatened to sue for $1 million.
Also in 1972, Genesis played their first show in the US at Brandeis University in Waltham, MA.
Bob Seger released his album "Night Moves" in 1976.
KISS guitarist Ace Frehley was nearly electrocuted during a concert in Florida in 1976. He had touched a short-circuited light. He was carried from the stage but returned 10 minutes later to continue and finish the show.
Singer, TV actress and dancer Toni Basil went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1982 with "Mickey," making her a US one hit wonder.
The Jam played their last ever gig as a band in 1982 when they appeared in Brighton, England.
The single "Superbowl Shuffle" by Chicago Bears Shufflin' Crew was released in 1985.
In 1988, Don Henley, Tom Petty, Graham Nash and Bonnie put on a benefit show at The Wiltern Theatre to pay tribute to Roy Orbison.
In 1989, the Recording Industry Association of America certified four Led Zeppelin albums as multi-platinum: ‘Presence’ (2 million), ‘Led Zeppelin’ (4 million), ‘Physical Graffiti’ (4 million) and ‘In Through The Out Door’ (5 million).
Manic Street Preacher Nicky Wire was quoted in 1992 as saying "I hope Michael Stipe goes the same way as Freddie Mercury," If you can't say something nice...
Janet Jackson started a two week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1993 with "Again," her 7th US #1 hit.
Snoop Doggy Dogg went to #1 on the US album chart in 1993 with 'Doggy Style.'
Jewel, Sinead O'Connor and Emmylou Harris performed the Beatles' "In My Life" together at the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize concert in Oslo in 1997.
During a gig in Tuscon, Arizona in 1998, a bottle thrown from the audience hit Black Crowes singer Chris Robinson. A security guard was then stabbed trying to eject a man from the crowd.
Paul McCartney performed “Let It Be” as part of the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize celebrations in Oslo, Norway in 2001.
In 2001, Gene Simmons (KISS) did an interview with Matt Lauer on NBC's "Today" to promote his book "Kiss and Make-Up." The book was released for sale on December 4, 2001.
Also in 2001, David Soul wins a $70,000 judgment in a lawsuit against Matthew Wright, a London theatre critic who criticized Soul's stage performance without even seeing it. Wright's column made reference to the Monday performance, when in fact, the play did not run on Mondays. Soul hit the music charts in the 70s with the single "Don't Give Up on Us".
What was left of the original Napster's computers, laptops and servers were auctioned off in San Francisco in 2002, as the online file sharing company cleaned out its remaining physical assets. A federal judge ordered Napster offline until it could comply with an order to halt the unauthorized trade of copyright music.
December 11, 2002. Musicologist and author Rob Durkee compiled a list of The Top Ten Christmas Songs Of All Time (according to sales and radio air play)
1. White Christmas - Bing Crosby - 1942
2. Silent Night - Bing Crosby - 1936
3. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer - Gene Autry - 1949
4. The Little Drummer Boy - Harry Simeone Chorale - 1958
5. Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms - 1957
6. The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole - 1946
7. The Chipmunk Song - David Seville and the Chipmunks - 1958
8. Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee - 1958
9. Blue Christmas - Elvis Presley - 1957
10. Jingle Bells - Bing Crosby / The Andrews Sisters - 1943
The Who's frontman Roger Daltrey battled through throat problems brought on by bronchitis at the final show of the band's North American tour in 2006. "It doesn't (expletive) matter," the singer tells the Columbus, OH, crowd. "It's Rock & Roll, right?" That's the spirit!
A keyboard signed by Peter Gabriel, Pink Floyd's David Gilmour, U2's Bono, David Bowie and ex-Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones was auctioned in New York in 2006 to benefit the Witness human-rights organization co-founded by Gabriel.
Radiohead's “Limited Deluxe Edition” box set lands in 2007 with all six of the band's U.K. studio albums and the live '01 release, 'I Might Be Wrong.'
Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards issued a digital single (via iTunes) in 2007 featuring two rare cover songs – his ‘76 rendition of Chuck Berry’s, "Run Rudolph Run" and an ‘03 version of "Pressure Drop," which was originally recorded by Toots and the Maytals.
Bon Jovi’s Lost Highway tour tops Billboard's Boxscore in 2008 (an annual list of the highest-grossing tours). The trek earned $210.6 million. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band land at #2 ($205 million).
In 2008, Roman Catholic Cardinal Jorge Medina criticized Madonna's first concert in Santiago, Chile, saying "This woman comes here and in an incredibly shameless manner, she provokes a crazy enthusiasm, an enthusiasm of lust, lustful thoughts, impure thoughts." About 60,000 fans were expected to attend each of the two scheduled performances. Get over it....
Time magazine ranks Mastodon's "Crack The Skye" as the third best album of 2009. The Progressive Metal set is the last of four in a cycle that focuses on the concept of Earth's elements. "Nods to European Folk, Free Jazz and Prog Rock . . . the ambition and tenacity of Mastodon's music makes "Crack The Skye" sonically unforgettable," writes Time. Brad Paisley's "American Saturday Night" and Dirty Projectors' "Bitte Orca," are #1 and #2, respectively.
Trudy Green, former manager of Def Leppard, sued the band in 2009 over unpaid commissions. Green seeks at least $700,000 in damages. While that legal matter is just beginning, another reaches a conclusion... Marilyn Manson settles a $20 million lawsuit filed against him by former bandmate Stephen Bier. The keyboardist, also known as Pogo/Madonna Wayne Gacy, sued Manson for breach of contract, claiming he was deprived of his share of the band's earnings due to Manson’s questionable acquisitions. The suit is settled for $175,000. "After being dismissed from the band, Bier could have focused on resurrecting or attempting to pursue a music career," says Manson's lawyer. "Instead, he devoted the last several years to complaining about Manson's alleged spending habits and extravagant behavior to anyone who would listen."
David Gates - Bread (1940)
Brenda Lee (1944)
Booker T. Jones - Booker T. & the MG's (1944)
Philip 'Spike' Edney - known as the fifth member of Queen. Also worked with Duran Duran, Boomtown Rats, Dexy's Midnight Runners, Haircut 100, the Rolling Stones and others (1951)
Jermaine Jackson - Jackson Five (1954)
Mike Mesaros - Smithereens (1957)
Nikki Sixx - Motley Crue (1958)
Darryl Jones - Rolling Stones since Bill Wyman's departure in 1993. Also worked with Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Sting, Peter Gabriel, Madonna, Eric Clapton and Joan Armatrading (1961)
Curtis Williams - Kool & The Gang (1962)
David Schools - Widespread Panic (1964)
DJ Yella - NWA (1967)
Mo'Nique (1968)
They Are Missed:
Born today in 1926, Big Mama Thornton, singer, songwriter. Janis Joplin covered her song "Ball And Chain," and she had the 1953 version of "Hound Dog" before Elvis Presley. She died in 1984.
Born on this day in 1916, Perez Prado, (1955 US & UK No.1 single "Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom White"). He died on September 14, 1989.
J. Frank Wilson (December 11, 1941 – October 4, 1991) was the lead vocalist for the approprietly named group J. Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers' first chart hit was "Last Kiss," a song written by Wayne Cochran, who had based the song on a car accident in Barnesville, Georgia, near where he lived. The song, while only garnering minor success for Wayne Cochran & The C.C. Riders, found major success for the Cavaliers. "Last Kiss" became a hit in June of 1964, it reached the Top 10 in October of that year, eventually reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc. "Last Kiss" was subsequently covered successfully by Wednesday and Pearl Jam.
History:
In 1957, 22 year old Jerry Lee Lewis secretly married his 13 year-old second cousin, Myra Gale Brown, while still married to Jane Mitcham. The Killer had first married when he was 16 to Dorothy Barton, the daughter of a local preacher. Mitcham became his second wife in a shotgun ceremony and before he had divorced the previous Mrs. Lewis. The marriage to Myra would last until 1970 and at last count, Jerry Lee has been married six times.
The Coasters record "Charlie Brown" in 1958, which would go on to reach number 2 in the US early in 1959.
Aretha Franklin made her New York debut at the Village Vanguard in 1960.
Motown Records achieved their first number one song in 1961 when The Marvelettes' "Please Mr. Postman" reached the top. The session musicians on the track included 22 year old Marvin Gaye on drums. The song also gave the Carpenters a US #1 and UK #2 single in 1975.
In 1961, Elvis Presley started a 20 week run at the top of the Billboard album chart with "Blue Hawaii," his seventh US #1 album.
In 1964, soul singer Sam Cooke was shot and killed in a Los Angeles motel. According to court testimony, Cooke picked up a 22 year old woman named Elisa Boyer at a party. He promised her a ride home but they ended up at a motel. Boyer claims Cooke forced her into the motel room and began ripping her clothes off. She managed to escape while he was in the bathroom. While she called police from a phone booth, Cooke began pounding on the office door of the motel's manager, Bertha Franklin. He demanded to know where Campbell was and allegedly broke the door open. Cooke reportedly attacked Franklin, who then shot him three times. By the time the police arrived, Sam Cooke was dead. A jury would later return a verdict of justifiable homicide. Cooke was 33 years old.
In 1965, the Beatles, on their last tour of Britain, played two shows at the Astoria Cinema in Finsbury Park, London.
In 1967, a London Appeals Court commuted Brian Jones' nine-month prison stay for possession of cannabis after hearing testimony from three psychiatrists that Jones is "an extremely frightened young man" and could not stand nine months behind bars. He was given 3 years probation and a $1,500 fine.
Filming began for the Rolling Stones flick 'Rock & Roll Circus, in 1968. As well as clowns and acrobats, John & Yoko, The Who, Eric Clapton and Jethro Tull all took part. The film was eventually released in 1996.
Ringo Starr's movie "The Magic Christian" premiered in London in 1970.
James Brown 32nd album, "Revolution of the Mind," was released in 1971.
Carly Simon's "Anticipation" was released in 1971.
James Brown was arrested after a show in Knoxville, TN in 1972, and charged with "disorderly conduct" after being accused of trying to incite a riot. The charges were dropped when Brown threatened to sue for $1 million.
Also in 1972, Genesis played their first show in the US at Brandeis University in Waltham, MA.
Bob Seger released his album "Night Moves" in 1976.
KISS guitarist Ace Frehley was nearly electrocuted during a concert in Florida in 1976. He had touched a short-circuited light. He was carried from the stage but returned 10 minutes later to continue and finish the show.
Singer, TV actress and dancer Toni Basil went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1982 with "Mickey," making her a US one hit wonder.
The Jam played their last ever gig as a band in 1982 when they appeared in Brighton, England.
The single "Superbowl Shuffle" by Chicago Bears Shufflin' Crew was released in 1985.
In 1988, Don Henley, Tom Petty, Graham Nash and Bonnie put on a benefit show at The Wiltern Theatre to pay tribute to Roy Orbison.
In 1989, the Recording Industry Association of America certified four Led Zeppelin albums as multi-platinum: ‘Presence’ (2 million), ‘Led Zeppelin’ (4 million), ‘Physical Graffiti’ (4 million) and ‘In Through The Out Door’ (5 million).
Manic Street Preacher Nicky Wire was quoted in 1992 as saying "I hope Michael Stipe goes the same way as Freddie Mercury," If you can't say something nice...
Janet Jackson started a two week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1993 with "Again," her 7th US #1 hit.
Snoop Doggy Dogg went to #1 on the US album chart in 1993 with 'Doggy Style.'
Jewel, Sinead O'Connor and Emmylou Harris performed the Beatles' "In My Life" together at the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize concert in Oslo in 1997.
During a gig in Tuscon, Arizona in 1998, a bottle thrown from the audience hit Black Crowes singer Chris Robinson. A security guard was then stabbed trying to eject a man from the crowd.
Paul McCartney performed “Let It Be” as part of the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize celebrations in Oslo, Norway in 2001.
In 2001, Gene Simmons (KISS) did an interview with Matt Lauer on NBC's "Today" to promote his book "Kiss and Make-Up." The book was released for sale on December 4, 2001.
Also in 2001, David Soul wins a $70,000 judgment in a lawsuit against Matthew Wright, a London theatre critic who criticized Soul's stage performance without even seeing it. Wright's column made reference to the Monday performance, when in fact, the play did not run on Mondays. Soul hit the music charts in the 70s with the single "Don't Give Up on Us".
What was left of the original Napster's computers, laptops and servers were auctioned off in San Francisco in 2002, as the online file sharing company cleaned out its remaining physical assets. A federal judge ordered Napster offline until it could comply with an order to halt the unauthorized trade of copyright music.
December 11, 2002. Musicologist and author Rob Durkee compiled a list of The Top Ten Christmas Songs Of All Time (according to sales and radio air play)
1. White Christmas - Bing Crosby - 1942
2. Silent Night - Bing Crosby - 1936
3. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer - Gene Autry - 1949
4. The Little Drummer Boy - Harry Simeone Chorale - 1958
5. Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms - 1957
6. The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole - 1946
7. The Chipmunk Song - David Seville and the Chipmunks - 1958
8. Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee - 1958
9. Blue Christmas - Elvis Presley - 1957
10. Jingle Bells - Bing Crosby / The Andrews Sisters - 1943
The Who's frontman Roger Daltrey battled through throat problems brought on by bronchitis at the final show of the band's North American tour in 2006. "It doesn't (expletive) matter," the singer tells the Columbus, OH, crowd. "It's Rock & Roll, right?" That's the spirit!
A keyboard signed by Peter Gabriel, Pink Floyd's David Gilmour, U2's Bono, David Bowie and ex-Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones was auctioned in New York in 2006 to benefit the Witness human-rights organization co-founded by Gabriel.
Radiohead's “Limited Deluxe Edition” box set lands in 2007 with all six of the band's U.K. studio albums and the live '01 release, 'I Might Be Wrong.'
Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards issued a digital single (via iTunes) in 2007 featuring two rare cover songs – his ‘76 rendition of Chuck Berry’s, "Run Rudolph Run" and an ‘03 version of "Pressure Drop," which was originally recorded by Toots and the Maytals.
Bon Jovi’s Lost Highway tour tops Billboard's Boxscore in 2008 (an annual list of the highest-grossing tours). The trek earned $210.6 million. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band land at #2 ($205 million).
In 2008, Roman Catholic Cardinal Jorge Medina criticized Madonna's first concert in Santiago, Chile, saying "This woman comes here and in an incredibly shameless manner, she provokes a crazy enthusiasm, an enthusiasm of lust, lustful thoughts, impure thoughts." About 60,000 fans were expected to attend each of the two scheduled performances. Get over it....
Trudy Green, former manager of Def Leppard, sued the band in 2009 over unpaid commissions. Green seeks at least $700,000 in damages. While that legal matter is just beginning, another reaches a conclusion... Marilyn Manson settles a $20 million lawsuit filed against him by former bandmate Stephen Bier. The keyboardist, also known as Pogo/Madonna Wayne Gacy, sued Manson for breach of contract, claiming he was deprived of his share of the band's earnings due to Manson’s questionable acquisitions. The suit is settled for $175,000. "After being dismissed from the band, Bier could have focused on resurrecting or attempting to pursue a music career," says Manson's lawyer. "Instead, he devoted the last several years to complaining about Manson's alleged spending habits and extravagant behavior to anyone who would listen."
Friday, December 10, 2010
Michael Fremer Album Review
Elvis Costello and the Attractions
Radar/Mobile Fidelity MFSL 1-331 180g LP
Produced by: Nick Lowe
Engineered by: N/A
Mixed by: N/A
Mastered by: Shawn R. Britton at Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs
Costello Sees the World
by Michael Fremer
November 01, 2010
Elvis Costello took a quantum songwriting leap on his third album and with a generous six weeks in the studio following a world tour with new songs written, came up with intricate arrangements and sonically sophisticated production that while complex, was not detrimental to the intense propulsion of the music.
While the incorporation of worldly lyrical allusions seemingly took the singer's preoccupations beyond the “boy beats girl” theme of This Year’s Model there's plenty of that here too.
Though the opener, "Accidents Will Happen" is as sincerely written an anti-promiscuity song as you're likely to hear from anyone and smartly makes the point that the repercussions of the behavior have long lasting residual effects, the song doesn't preach its message. A well-crafted melody and heartfelt bridge help get a point across that should resonate with succeeding generations.
"Senior Service" returns Costello to the bile factory with a vicious corporate politics get even song: "I want your neck/I want the seat that you sit at/I want your cheque/Because they told me I would get on/I wanna chop off your head and watch it roll into the basket/If you should drop dead tonight then they won't have to ask me twice."
The album's hit single in England, "Oliver's Army," references conflicts around the world and hits an anti-war theme Costello would visit later during Margaret Thatcher's Falkland War, while "Big Boys" deals with the snags of love and if you don't know about the guy coughing during the line "She'll be the one-but it's too late for you to" you're not really intimately connected to this album, but you’ll hear it more clearly on this 1/2 speed mastered reissue than on the original.
The side ends with the sympathetic "Party Girl," which covers the same emotional terrain as The Police's "Roxanne" but with less "smarm" and greater true empathy. The song ends with a neat, musical hats off to The Beatles' Abbey Road. It's a genuine, old fashioned side-ender lost on CD.
Though Mobile Fidelity went with the original UK "elephants" cover, it chose the American release's side two track selection that omits the waltz "Sunday's Best," deemed "too British" for American ears. The song later turned up on the Taking Liberties compilation Columbia Records issued in 1970 along with other tracks omitted from earlier Costello albums.
The monumental anthemic single "What's So Funny 'Bout Peace Love and Understanding" (credited to Nick Lowe) omitted from the original UK is here. It's a spectacular song and of course well worth having on the album, but it sounds tacked on and it's not really as good a closer as the cynical “love nest” of “Two Little Hitlers” with its ending refrain “I will return, I will not burn.”
“What’s So Funny About Peace Love and Understanding” was actually issued in the UK before the release of the album and as the "B" side to Nick Lowe's devilishly delightful "(I made an) American Squirm." The only clue to it's being on the flipside is that Lowe is holding a guitar with "Costello" pearl inlaid in the neck. Sly guys.
The recording and production, like the lyrics and melodies are wide open and generous. Pete Thomas's drum kit in particular is captured with an electrifying crack not heard on the also well recorded This Year's Model. Everything about the sound of this album is superior to the last one. The stage is far more spacious, the bass goes deeper and is tighter and the cymbal sound has an addictive chime.
I remember getting my first good moving coil cartridge (a Dynavector Ruby) shortly after getting a UK copy of this album and hearing those cymbal hits as they were meant to be heard. The whole drum kit is superbly recorded as is Steve Nieve's pleasingly florid piano work that here was textures and harmonics not previously heard even on the excellent UK original. If you only know this record from CD, you're in a for shock.
This is the Costello record where Mo-Fi's chain really demonstrates its clarity and purity. After the positive review here of This Year's Model we received a few emails from readers disappointed with the sound of that reissue because they felt it lacked the original's impact. I understand their point. It's true. However, that's because there's far less (if any) compression on the reissue so you do lose some of that pseudo-energy.
In its place though, you get more detail and far more textural information. Just turn the volume up slightly to compensate and you're sure to hear the clarity and precision of the images compared to the bright coarse and overly large ones resulting from the compression found on even the excellent UK original Radar.
Costello’s voice is far more natural-sounding here. The drums have more real texture, the cymbals cleanly rendered shimmer. The small dynamic shifts that bring the production to life, lost by compression, are here to enjoy. In fact, after you feel the need to crank it up higher at first, you’ll end up bringing the level back down to enjoy the album’s real sonic pleasures.
If the first two Costello reissues were mainly for the diehard fans, this one, so well-recorded in the first place, and packed with great tunes and equally fine production, is the first Costello reissue for everyone.
I have all of the CD reissues from Ryko to Rhino and this new 180g version beats them and even the original UK pressing, though that gives this some competition since it was cut from a fresh tape.
Reissuing Armed Forces in high quality 180g all analog vinyl is a public service in my opinion, even though Mobile Fidelity couldn’t possibly go to the time and expense of reproducing the original’s fold-open graphics and post card inserts.
Thanks to Michael over at http://www.musicangle.com/ for the exclusive rights to reprint this material. Stop by MusicAngle.com for more reviews and features.
Copyright © 2008 MusicAngle.com & Michael Fremer - All rights reserved Reprinted by Permission
Rock & Roll Trivia
As a special treat for the holidays, I am reprinting a very popular series I call Rock & Roll Trivia. Interesting tidbits about our music and our musicians, this will be posted every day until Christmas. Enjoy:
The song title of the Beatles' "Penny Lane" is derived from the name of a street in the Beatle's hometown of Liverpool. Locally the term "Penny Lane" was the name given to Allerton Road and Smithdown Road and its busy shopping area and is named after James Penny, an 18th century slave trader.
After recording her first record, Oasis records made a spelling mistake on the label and Donna Sommer became Donna Summer for the rest of her career.
Songwriter Jimmy Webb got the inspiration to write The Fifth Dimension's hit "Up, Up and Away" from a hot air balloon that a friend flew on promotions for radio station KMEN.
The Dovells, who scored a number two hit in the U.S. in 1961 with "Bristol Stomp", also appeared as Chubby Checker's backing band on "Let's Twist Again" and accompanied Jean Hillery on the 1968 novelty tune, "Here Comes The Judge".
The Sir Douglas Quintet were playing in a club one night and noticed a couple dancing. Lead singer Doug Sahm said "She's a body mover!", which gave him an idea for a song. Back in those days you couldn't say "body mover" on a record, so he changed the lyrics to "She's About A Mover" and achieved a US Top 20 hit.
The blistering guitar lead in George Harrison's song, "Taxman" is the exact same guitar part heard at the ending fade of the song. It was copied and re-recorded onto the end.
The song "Summertime Blues" was a US Top 40 hit in three different decades - in the fifties by Eddie Cochran (#8), the sixties by Blue Cheer (#14) and the seventies by The Who (#27).
The Mothers Of Invention are believed to have released the first double album with "Freak Out!" in early 1967.
In 1962, Gene Pitney recorded "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" for the movie of the same name, starring John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart. Although the song reached #4 on the Billboard singles chart, it was never included in the film.
When the Beatles made their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show on February 9th, 1964, producers received over 50,000 applications for the 728 seats in the TV studio.
Alan Gordon, the co-writer of The Turtles' hit "Happy Together" said that he wrote the melody to the song based on an open string pattern used by a bandmate to tune his guitar.
Jerry Lee Lewis' parents mortgaged their house in order to buy him a piano.
Johnny Preston's 1960 number one hit, "Running Bear" was written by J.P. Richardson, The Big Bopper.
The double entendre title of the Bellamy Brother's hit "If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me" was derived from a quote by Groucho Marx.
With some left over studio time on their hands, a group of musicians recorded an instrumental intended to be a throw-a-way album track. The song ended up on the flip side of a single release called "Train To Nowhere", which was virtually ignored by US radio stations. Finally, someone flipped the disc over and discovered "Tequila", which went to number one on both the Pop and R&B charts for The Champs.
Kenny Loggins joined The Electric Prunes during their final tour in 1969, two years after the band had scored a hit with "I Had Too Much Too Dream". When the tour was over, the band split up for good and Loggins went on to team up with Jim Messina in 1971 and later had several solo hits.
The distinct horse logo that appeared on most of Poco's albums was designed by Saturday Night Live star, Phil Hartman.
John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote "I Want To Hold Your Hand" in the basement of Jane Asher's house. She was Paul's girlfriend, to whom he would later become engaged to, but never married.
One day while out riding with her dad, Stella McCartney stopped to stare at him. It had just come to her at that moment. She said, "You're Paul McCartney."
While the title of the song is often shown with a comma ("Louie, Louie"), writer Richard Berry told Esquire magazine in 1988 that the correct title of the song was "Louie Louie", with no comma.
When The Supremes' Mary Wilson was contacted for an interview by the television show Romance of The Rich and Famous, she moved some of her personal belongings into a freinds' mansion and let on it was hers, instead of revealing her true residence, a tiny, two bedroom bungalow in Studio City, California.
Little Richard's recording career had just gotten off the ground when his father was murdered in the winter of 1952. To support his family, Richard took a job washing dishes at a Greyhound bus station in Macon, Georgia.
Reginald Kenneth Dwight changed his stage name to Elton John, taking his first name from Bluesology saxophonist Elton Dean and his last from bluesman, Long John Baldry.
When Decca Records first released "Rock Around The Clock" by Bill Haley And His Comets in the Spring of 1954, most people had never heard of Rock And Roll and the company had a hard time describing the song. The label on the single called it a "Novelty Foxtrot."
The song title of the Beatles' "Penny Lane" is derived from the name of a street in the Beatle's hometown of Liverpool. Locally the term "Penny Lane" was the name given to Allerton Road and Smithdown Road and its busy shopping area and is named after James Penny, an 18th century slave trader.
After recording her first record, Oasis records made a spelling mistake on the label and Donna Sommer became Donna Summer for the rest of her career.
Songwriter Jimmy Webb got the inspiration to write The Fifth Dimension's hit "Up, Up and Away" from a hot air balloon that a friend flew on promotions for radio station KMEN.
The Dovells, who scored a number two hit in the U.S. in 1961 with "Bristol Stomp", also appeared as Chubby Checker's backing band on "Let's Twist Again" and accompanied Jean Hillery on the 1968 novelty tune, "Here Comes The Judge".
The Sir Douglas Quintet were playing in a club one night and noticed a couple dancing. Lead singer Doug Sahm said "She's a body mover!", which gave him an idea for a song. Back in those days you couldn't say "body mover" on a record, so he changed the lyrics to "She's About A Mover" and achieved a US Top 20 hit.
The blistering guitar lead in George Harrison's song, "Taxman" is the exact same guitar part heard at the ending fade of the song. It was copied and re-recorded onto the end.
The song "Summertime Blues" was a US Top 40 hit in three different decades - in the fifties by Eddie Cochran (#8), the sixties by Blue Cheer (#14) and the seventies by The Who (#27).
The Mothers Of Invention are believed to have released the first double album with "Freak Out!" in early 1967.
In 1962, Gene Pitney recorded "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" for the movie of the same name, starring John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart. Although the song reached #4 on the Billboard singles chart, it was never included in the film.
When the Beatles made their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show on February 9th, 1964, producers received over 50,000 applications for the 728 seats in the TV studio.
Alan Gordon, the co-writer of The Turtles' hit "Happy Together" said that he wrote the melody to the song based on an open string pattern used by a bandmate to tune his guitar.
Jerry Lee Lewis' parents mortgaged their house in order to buy him a piano.
Johnny Preston's 1960 number one hit, "Running Bear" was written by J.P. Richardson, The Big Bopper.
The double entendre title of the Bellamy Brother's hit "If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me" was derived from a quote by Groucho Marx.
With some left over studio time on their hands, a group of musicians recorded an instrumental intended to be a throw-a-way album track. The song ended up on the flip side of a single release called "Train To Nowhere", which was virtually ignored by US radio stations. Finally, someone flipped the disc over and discovered "Tequila", which went to number one on both the Pop and R&B charts for The Champs.
Kenny Loggins joined The Electric Prunes during their final tour in 1969, two years after the band had scored a hit with "I Had Too Much Too Dream". When the tour was over, the band split up for good and Loggins went on to team up with Jim Messina in 1971 and later had several solo hits.
The distinct horse logo that appeared on most of Poco's albums was designed by Saturday Night Live star, Phil Hartman.
John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote "I Want To Hold Your Hand" in the basement of Jane Asher's house. She was Paul's girlfriend, to whom he would later become engaged to, but never married.
One day while out riding with her dad, Stella McCartney stopped to stare at him. It had just come to her at that moment. She said, "You're Paul McCartney."
While the title of the song is often shown with a comma ("Louie, Louie"), writer Richard Berry told Esquire magazine in 1988 that the correct title of the song was "Louie Louie", with no comma.
When The Supremes' Mary Wilson was contacted for an interview by the television show Romance of The Rich and Famous, she moved some of her personal belongings into a freinds' mansion and let on it was hers, instead of revealing her true residence, a tiny, two bedroom bungalow in Studio City, California.
Little Richard's recording career had just gotten off the ground when his father was murdered in the winter of 1952. To support his family, Richard took a job washing dishes at a Greyhound bus station in Macon, Georgia.
Reginald Kenneth Dwight changed his stage name to Elton John, taking his first name from Bluesology saxophonist Elton Dean and his last from bluesman, Long John Baldry.
When Decca Records first released "Rock Around The Clock" by Bill Haley And His Comets in the Spring of 1954, most people had never heard of Rock And Roll and the company had a hard time describing the song. The label on the single called it a "Novelty Foxtrot."
Vinyl Record Store Thrives
It's great to read that there are some vinyl record stores doing well. Check out this interesting piece:
Upper West Side music store thrives as others close shop
As music sales plummet, Westsider Records’ business booms thanks to an increasing interest in LPs.
By Crystal Lewis
“Business has been good to excellent.”
In a harsh economic climate, these words are surprising to hear. But even more shocking is that these words were spoken by an employee of local music shop Westsider Books and Records.
From the closure of Union Square’s Virgin Megastore last June to the legendary New York hip-hop store Fat Beats shutting its doors in September, music retailers are slowly disappearing. It’s a crushing blow to a city that is known as the birthplace of hip-hop and home to Broadway.
In general, the music industry has been on the decline. Throughout the first half of this year, CD sales have decreased 18 percent, according to a report from Neilsen SoundScan. Globally, music revenues have fallen by more than 7 percent.
So why is Westsider Books and Records’ business flourishing? Vinyl.
Read the rest of this interesting article Here
Upper West Side music store thrives as others close shop
As music sales plummet, Westsider Records’ business booms thanks to an increasing interest in LPs.
By Crystal Lewis
“Business has been good to excellent.”
In a harsh economic climate, these words are surprising to hear. But even more shocking is that these words were spoken by an employee of local music shop Westsider Books and Records.
From the closure of Union Square’s Virgin Megastore last June to the legendary New York hip-hop store Fat Beats shutting its doors in September, music retailers are slowly disappearing. It’s a crushing blow to a city that is known as the birthplace of hip-hop and home to Broadway.
In general, the music industry has been on the decline. Throughout the first half of this year, CD sales have decreased 18 percent, according to a report from Neilsen SoundScan. Globally, music revenues have fallen by more than 7 percent.
So why is Westsider Books and Records’ business flourishing? Vinyl.
Read the rest of this interesting article Here
Vinyl Record News & Notes
Beady Eye Reveal Tracklisting & Cover Art
Beady Eye have just revealed the details for their debut album which will be called 'Different Gear, Still Speeding.' fronted by Oasis alum Liam Gallagher, the group will release the album on February 28, 2011 via Beady Eye Records.
1.'Four Letter Word'
2. 'Millionaire'
3. 'The Roller'
4. 'Beatles and Stones'
5. 'Wind Up Dream'
6. 'Bring the Light'
7. 'For Anyone'
8. 'Kill for a Dream'
9. 'Standing on the Edge of the Noise'
10. 'Wigwam'
11. 'Three Ring Circus'
12. 'The Beat Goes on'
13. 'The Morning
---------------------
Avril Lavigne New Album, 'Goodbye Lullaby,' Coming In March 2011
Two years in the making, singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne's fourth studio album, 'Goodbye Lullaby,' is set to be released by RCA Records on March 8, 2011. Lavigne will also debut the first single "What the Hell" on New Year's Eve during "Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve."
Lavigne worked with longtime collaborators Deryck Whibley, Evan Taubenfeld and Butch Walker, as well as songwriter/producer Max Martin. She continues to share her personal experiences through her writing and music, and 'Goodbye Lullaby' is a further evolution of this, propelled by a more raw and organic sound.
---------------------
Pixies New Vinyl Release
Pixies are set to bring their compilation 'Wave Of Mutilation' to vinyl, with a new re-issue set for release on January 17.
A truly seminal group, the band barely made an impact on the mainstream in their initial incarnation. But, after their untimely split, the band enjoyed a curious second life, almost becoming cult heroes. For many fans, 'Wave Of Mutilation' was an entrance point for the world of Pixies. Initially released in 2004 the compilation has proved to have an enduring popularity, mixing classic tracks with rarities.
Focussing on their glorious early era, 'Wave Of Mutilation' also finds time to represent a few tracks from their unjustly ignored later incarnation. Only ever available on CD and as a download, the album will now receive a vinyl pressing, being made available as a double LP set (the first European pressing will be available on special edition orange vinyl). Released in a gatefold sleeve, the album will be available on black vinyl for American fans.
Tracklisting:
Side One
'Bone Machine'
'Nimrod's Son'
'The Holiday Song'
'Caribou'
'Broken Face'
'Gigantic'
Side Two
'Vamos'
'Hey'
'Monkey gone To Heaven'
'Debaser'
'Gouge Away'
'Wave Of Mutilation'
Side Three
'Here Comes Your Man'
'Tame'
'Where Is My Mind?'
'Into The White'
'Velouria'
Side Four
'Allison'
'Dig For Fire'
'U-Mass'
'Alec Eiffel'
'Planet Of Sound'
'Winterlong'
---------------------
Cheap Trick Announces Dream Police Shows In Milwaukee
It's been more than thirty years since the release of the internationally acclaimed album 'Dream Police,' and now Cheap Trick will be staging a multi-date show that features songs from the platinum record. The Rhythmic Noise Philharmonic Orchestra & Mind Choir will perform alongside these and other hits from Cheap Trick's extensive catalog. The run kicks off January 20th, 2011 and includes 12 dates through February 26th.
The shows are set to take place at Milwaukee's Northern Lights Theater at Potawatomi Bingo Casino, less than two hours away from Chicago. Retaining its intimate, up-close-and-personal atmosphere, the 500-seat theater ensures that there is not a bad seat in the house.
"Dream Police was the first record where we felt the songs were well -suited for orchestration; that was a very expansive time for us musically," says bassist Tom Petersson.
"Since then, we've been fortunate to work with several world-class orchestras - live and in the studio," adds lead vocalist Robin Zander, "and after 36 years together, our band is thrilled to have an opportunity to present our songs - both new and old - with an orchestra and a unique state-of-the-art production."
Hmmm, right in my neck of the woods, would like to make one of the shows.
Cheap Trick were formed in the city of Rockford, IL in 1974 and have sold over 20 million albums and singles including "Surrender," "I Want You to Want Me" and "The Flame."
cheaptrick-2010
TICKET INFORMATION:
Show Dates: Jan 20, 21, 28, 29 & Feb 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 & 26
Tickets go on sale Friday, December 10th.
Prices: $85, $75, and $65
Theater Box Office: (414) 847-7922
---------------------
Metal Club Line Up Black Sabbath
Heavy metal vets Black Sabbath have joined a new club, Metal Club that is, to release 'Black Sabbath: Live at Hammersmith Odeon,' a 3-LP 180 gram vinyl with a triple gatefold packaging which will be released on January 1, 2011. This release will be limited to 3,000 numbered copies and is a Metal Club exclusive.
Available for the first time on limited-edition numbered vinyl, the concert spotlights Black Sabbath as they storm through 14 of the Dio-era's best including, "Neon Knights," "Heaven And Hell," "Children Of The Sea" and "Country Girl." The band also performs several pre-Dio classics including, "Paranoid," "Children Of The Grave" and a white-hot version of "War Pigs." 'Black Sabbath: Live At Hammersmith Odeon' features Ronnie James Dio, Tommy Iommi, Terry "Geezer" Butler and Vinny Appice.
---------------------
Peter Bjorn And John Set To Release New Full-Length Studio Album
Peter Bjorn And John are scheduled to release a new full-length studio album which is due out on March 29th via StarTime International. For their sixth album the band chose to work with a producer for the first time ever enlisting the skills of Per Sunding at Tambourine Studios in Malmö. For a band that has always produced their own albums, this is a big move and when asked about the choice in a recent interview with SPIN.com John Eriksson said, "We needed someone who can make us play differently, someone to remember to back up the hard drive [laughs]."
In the nearly two years since the band's last album, Peter Bjorn And John have kept very busy. Bjorn Yttling produced the new and wildly popular Lykke Li record - "Wounded Rhymes," Peter Morén released his second solo album and his debut Swedish language album - "I Spåren av Tåren," and John Eriksson released a new album - "Favorite Flavor" - with his disco-kraut band Holiday for Strings as well as three EPS with his solo project Hortlax Cobra. In addition, in January 2010 the entire band participated in an auction to help Haiti by submitting the bongos used on the recording of "Young Folks" along with Peter's jacket that he wore when they performed with Depeche Mode at MSG in the summer of 2009.
---------------------
MANOWAR: Autographed Copies Of 'Battle Hymns 2011' Vinyl Picture Disc Available
The vinyl picture disc, limited-edition version of "Battle Hymns 2011", the "reinterpretation" of MANOWAR's debut album, 1982's "Battle Hymns", can be personalized with your name and autographed by the band. Available for the hefty price of $199.95, it includes a numbered certificate of authenticity. According to a posting on MANOWAR's official webstore, The Kingdom Of Steel, if you pre-order now, you will also get the digital download immediately "for free," with a 16-page PDF booklet.
If you do not wish to spend $200 on the "autographed" version of the picture disc, the standard edition can be yours for "only" $49.95. This item can also be pre-ordered and includes the immediate "free" digital download as well as the 16-page PDF booklet. Shipping on both items is expected to begin around December 20.
---------------------
GRAPEFRUIT RECORDS – Simon Joyner Launches Vinyl-Only Subscription Label
Veteran of the Omaha music scene, Simon Joyner, has recently launched a subscription-based record label called "Grapefruit Records" that will release four select albums a year exclusively on vinyl. His idea had roots back in the early to mid-90s when he ran a small, indie label, Sing, Eunuch!, which put out mostly Omaha music and vinyls of Joyner’s own albums. The label also released some of Conor Oberst’s (Bright Eyes) early cassettes.
Joyner recalled the experience of running a small label as a catch-22. “The distributors, with very few exceptions, refused to pay us for the albums they sold until we had a new release they were interested in carrying,” he said. “We never had enough money coming in to pay for the manufacturing on the releases we needed to put out in order to get the distributors to pay us for the previous releases.” Eventually Joyner stopped the label out of frustration, but kept some ideas about a better way of doing things: “I told myself that if there were away to run a label without involving distributors, returns, unsold product, I’d do it again, but only under those conditions.”
The idea came bubbling up again, last summer, when Joyner was on an east coast tour staying in Brooklyn with his friend Ben Goldberg, who runs Ba-Da-Bing Records. The two started working on the new label soon after.
Read the rest of the article Here
1.'Four Letter Word'
2. 'Millionaire'
3. 'The Roller'
4. 'Beatles and Stones'
5. 'Wind Up Dream'
6. 'Bring the Light'
7. 'For Anyone'
8. 'Kill for a Dream'
9. 'Standing on the Edge of the Noise'
10. 'Wigwam'
11. 'Three Ring Circus'
12. 'The Beat Goes on'
13. 'The Morning
---------------------
Avril Lavigne New Album, 'Goodbye Lullaby,' Coming In March 2011
Lavigne worked with longtime collaborators Deryck Whibley, Evan Taubenfeld and Butch Walker, as well as songwriter/producer Max Martin. She continues to share her personal experiences through her writing and music, and 'Goodbye Lullaby' is a further evolution of this, propelled by a more raw and organic sound.
---------------------
Pixies New Vinyl Release
Pixies are set to bring their compilation 'Wave Of Mutilation' to vinyl, with a new re-issue set for release on January 17.
A truly seminal group, the band barely made an impact on the mainstream in their initial incarnation. But, after their untimely split, the band enjoyed a curious second life, almost becoming cult heroes. For many fans, 'Wave Of Mutilation' was an entrance point for the world of Pixies. Initially released in 2004 the compilation has proved to have an enduring popularity, mixing classic tracks with rarities.
Focussing on their glorious early era, 'Wave Of Mutilation' also finds time to represent a few tracks from their unjustly ignored later incarnation. Only ever available on CD and as a download, the album will now receive a vinyl pressing, being made available as a double LP set (the first European pressing will be available on special edition orange vinyl). Released in a gatefold sleeve, the album will be available on black vinyl for American fans.
Tracklisting:
Side One
'Bone Machine'
'Nimrod's Son'
'The Holiday Song'
'Caribou'
'Broken Face'
'Gigantic'
Side Two
'Vamos'
'Hey'
'Monkey gone To Heaven'
'Debaser'
'Gouge Away'
'Wave Of Mutilation'
Side Three
'Here Comes Your Man'
'Tame'
'Where Is My Mind?'
'Into The White'
'Velouria'
Side Four
'Allison'
'Dig For Fire'
'U-Mass'
'Alec Eiffel'
'Planet Of Sound'
'Winterlong'
---------------------
Cheap Trick Announces Dream Police Shows In Milwaukee
It's been more than thirty years since the release of the internationally acclaimed album 'Dream Police,' and now Cheap Trick will be staging a multi-date show that features songs from the platinum record. The Rhythmic Noise Philharmonic Orchestra & Mind Choir will perform alongside these and other hits from Cheap Trick's extensive catalog. The run kicks off January 20th, 2011 and includes 12 dates through February 26th.
The shows are set to take place at Milwaukee's Northern Lights Theater at Potawatomi Bingo Casino, less than two hours away from Chicago. Retaining its intimate, up-close-and-personal atmosphere, the 500-seat theater ensures that there is not a bad seat in the house.
"Dream Police was the first record where we felt the songs were well -suited for orchestration; that was a very expansive time for us musically," says bassist Tom Petersson.
"Since then, we've been fortunate to work with several world-class orchestras - live and in the studio," adds lead vocalist Robin Zander, "and after 36 years together, our band is thrilled to have an opportunity to present our songs - both new and old - with an orchestra and a unique state-of-the-art production."
Hmmm, right in my neck of the woods, would like to make one of the shows.
Cheap Trick were formed in the city of Rockford, IL in 1974 and have sold over 20 million albums and singles including "Surrender," "I Want You to Want Me" and "The Flame."
cheaptrick-2010
TICKET INFORMATION:
Show Dates: Jan 20, 21, 28, 29 & Feb 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 & 26
Tickets go on sale Friday, December 10th.
Prices: $85, $75, and $65
Theater Box Office: (414) 847-7922
---------------------
Metal Club Line Up Black Sabbath
Available for the first time on limited-edition numbered vinyl, the concert spotlights Black Sabbath as they storm through 14 of the Dio-era's best including, "Neon Knights," "Heaven And Hell," "Children Of The Sea" and "Country Girl." The band also performs several pre-Dio classics including, "Paranoid," "Children Of The Grave" and a white-hot version of "War Pigs." 'Black Sabbath: Live At Hammersmith Odeon' features Ronnie James Dio, Tommy Iommi, Terry "Geezer" Butler and Vinny Appice.
---------------------
Peter Bjorn And John Set To Release New Full-Length Studio Album
Peter Bjorn And John are scheduled to release a new full-length studio album which is due out on March 29th via StarTime International. For their sixth album the band chose to work with a producer for the first time ever enlisting the skills of Per Sunding at Tambourine Studios in Malmö. For a band that has always produced their own albums, this is a big move and when asked about the choice in a recent interview with SPIN.com John Eriksson said, "We needed someone who can make us play differently, someone to remember to back up the hard drive [laughs]."
In the nearly two years since the band's last album, Peter Bjorn And John have kept very busy. Bjorn Yttling produced the new and wildly popular Lykke Li record - "Wounded Rhymes," Peter Morén released his second solo album and his debut Swedish language album - "I Spåren av Tåren," and John Eriksson released a new album - "Favorite Flavor" - with his disco-kraut band Holiday for Strings as well as three EPS with his solo project Hortlax Cobra. In addition, in January 2010 the entire band participated in an auction to help Haiti by submitting the bongos used on the recording of "Young Folks" along with Peter's jacket that he wore when they performed with Depeche Mode at MSG in the summer of 2009.
---------------------
MANOWAR: Autographed Copies Of 'Battle Hymns 2011' Vinyl Picture Disc Available
If you do not wish to spend $200 on the "autographed" version of the picture disc, the standard edition can be yours for "only" $49.95. This item can also be pre-ordered and includes the immediate "free" digital download as well as the 16-page PDF booklet. Shipping on both items is expected to begin around December 20.
---------------------
GRAPEFRUIT RECORDS – Simon Joyner Launches Vinyl-Only Subscription Label
Veteran of the Omaha music scene, Simon Joyner, has recently launched a subscription-based record label called "Grapefruit Records" that will release four select albums a year exclusively on vinyl. His idea had roots back in the early to mid-90s when he ran a small, indie label, Sing, Eunuch!, which put out mostly Omaha music and vinyls of Joyner’s own albums. The label also released some of Conor Oberst’s (Bright Eyes) early cassettes.
Joyner recalled the experience of running a small label as a catch-22. “The distributors, with very few exceptions, refused to pay us for the albums they sold until we had a new release they were interested in carrying,” he said. “We never had enough money coming in to pay for the manufacturing on the releases we needed to put out in order to get the distributors to pay us for the previous releases.” Eventually Joyner stopped the label out of frustration, but kept some ideas about a better way of doing things: “I told myself that if there were away to run a label without involving distributors, returns, unsold product, I’d do it again, but only under those conditions.”
The idea came bubbling up again, last summer, when Joyner was on an east coast tour staying in Brooklyn with his friend Ben Goldberg, who runs Ba-Da-Bing Records. The two started working on the new label soon after.
Read the rest of the article Here
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Rock & Roll Trivia
As a special treat for the holidays, I am reprinting a very popular series I call Rock & Roll Trivia. Interesting tidbits about our music and our musicians, this will be posted every day until Christmas. Enjoy:
Lesley Gore was given the first chance to record "A Groovy Kind of Love", but her then-producer Shelby Singleton did not want her to record a song with the word "groovy" in it. The Mindbenders seized the opportunity and took the song to #2 on the Billboard charts.
Gladys Knight's "Pips" were named after her manager / cousin James "Pip" Patten. Later on, Gladys said it stood for "Perfection In Performance."
Several meanings for The Rolling Stones' hit "Brown Sugar" have been suggested over the years, including Mick Jagger's alleged affair with a black woman, African slaves being raped by their white masters and the perils of being addicted to Brown Heroin. It has even been rumored that Jagger wrote the song as "Black Pussy" before commercializing it to "Brown Sugar".
With less than ten minutes of studio time left, The Marcels recorded a doo-wop version of a song called "Blue Moon", written in 1934 by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. The result was a US number one hit in April, 1961.
The yardstick for every aspiring young drummer in the sixties was an instrumental called "Wipe Out" by The Surfaris. The record has sold millions and has become a classic rock standard, yet was put together as a b-side filler in about 15 minutes and recorded in just two takes.
Elvis Presley's former home, Graceland is the second most-visited house in America after the White House.
The original title of KISS' 1976 hit "Beth" was "Beck", a nickname given to songwriter Stan Penridge's girlfriend Becky. Penridge was the guitar player in a band that Peter Criss was in before he joined KISS. Additional lyrics were added by Criss and producer Bob Ezrin and resulted in a #7 Billboard hit.
William Ashton, who used the stage name Billy J. Kramer and scored hits with "Bad To Me" and "Little Children" during the British Invasion, took the last part of his name at random from a telephone directory. At the suggestion of John Lennon, Billy added a middle initial to give his name more appeal and used "J" in memory of John's mother, Julia and for his newly born son, Julian.
When The Guess Who performed at the White House in 1970, First Lady Pat Nixon, undoubtedly breifed as to the scathing anti-US sentiment of the band's hit "American Woman", asked that the band delete the song from their show.
Franki Valli's 1975 number one hit "My Eyes Adored You" was originally titled "Blue Eyes In Georgia", but was altered by Valli when he recorded it.
After "Good Lovin'" became Billboard's number one song in April, 1966, organist Felix Cavaliere admitted, "We weren't too pleased with our performance. It was a shock to us when it went to the top of the charts."
On the Mamas and Papas 1966 album "If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears", the group's name was spelled with an apostrophe before the "s" - The Mama's and Papa's. Subsequent albums opted for grammatical correctness and the apostrophes were dropped.
According to songwriter Burt Bacharach, his first choice of artist to record "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" was Ray Stevens. Fortunately for BJ Thomas, Stevens didn't like the song and passed on the opportunity.
Chad Stuart and Jeremy Clyde were a popular English duo during the British Invasion and scored two US Top Ten hits in 1964 with "Yesterday's Gone" and "A Summer Song". After the pair had gone their seperate ways, Stuart served as the musical director for the US television show The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.
The Beach Boys concert contract states that any sell-outs must be reported to all industry related newspapers and magazines.
The break up of Simon and Garfunkel came about when Art refused to record Paul's song "Cuba Si, Nixon No" for their 1969 "Bridge Over Troubled Water" LP.
"Bye Bye Love" was turned down by Elvis Presley and thirty other artists before The Everly Brothers recorded it. Their version rose to #2 in the US and stayed on the charts for 22 weeks.
The Flamingos 1959 smash, "I Only Have Eyes For You" was first performed by actor Dick Powell in the 1934 movie, Dames.
Gramophone was a U.S. brand name that referred to a specific brand of sound reproducing machine in the late 1800s. The name fell out of use around 1901, though it has survived in its nickname form, Grammy, as the title of the Grammy Awards. The Grammy trophy itself is a small rendering of a gramophone.
The inclusion of "Louie Louie" in the John Belushi movie National Lampoon's Animal House, is in fact, historically incorrect. The film is set in 1962, one year prior to the Kingsmen's release.
When Little Richard (Penniman) was a teenager, he ran away from home and joined a medicine show. By the time he was 15, he was adopted by Ann and Johnny Johnson, a white family from Macon, Georgia.
On the recording session for Bob Dylan's "Like A Rolling Stone", future Blood, Sweat and Tears founder Al Kooper played organ and The Electric Flag's Mike Bloomfield played guitar.
Lesley Gore was given the first chance to record "A Groovy Kind of Love", but her then-producer Shelby Singleton did not want her to record a song with the word "groovy" in it. The Mindbenders seized the opportunity and took the song to #2 on the Billboard charts.
Gladys Knight's "Pips" were named after her manager / cousin James "Pip" Patten. Later on, Gladys said it stood for "Perfection In Performance."
Several meanings for The Rolling Stones' hit "Brown Sugar" have been suggested over the years, including Mick Jagger's alleged affair with a black woman, African slaves being raped by their white masters and the perils of being addicted to Brown Heroin. It has even been rumored that Jagger wrote the song as "Black Pussy" before commercializing it to "Brown Sugar".
With less than ten minutes of studio time left, The Marcels recorded a doo-wop version of a song called "Blue Moon", written in 1934 by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. The result was a US number one hit in April, 1961.
The yardstick for every aspiring young drummer in the sixties was an instrumental called "Wipe Out" by The Surfaris. The record has sold millions and has become a classic rock standard, yet was put together as a b-side filler in about 15 minutes and recorded in just two takes.
Elvis Presley's former home, Graceland is the second most-visited house in America after the White House.
The original title of KISS' 1976 hit "Beth" was "Beck", a nickname given to songwriter Stan Penridge's girlfriend Becky. Penridge was the guitar player in a band that Peter Criss was in before he joined KISS. Additional lyrics were added by Criss and producer Bob Ezrin and resulted in a #7 Billboard hit.
William Ashton, who used the stage name Billy J. Kramer and scored hits with "Bad To Me" and "Little Children" during the British Invasion, took the last part of his name at random from a telephone directory. At the suggestion of John Lennon, Billy added a middle initial to give his name more appeal and used "J" in memory of John's mother, Julia and for his newly born son, Julian.
When The Guess Who performed at the White House in 1970, First Lady Pat Nixon, undoubtedly breifed as to the scathing anti-US sentiment of the band's hit "American Woman", asked that the band delete the song from their show.
Franki Valli's 1975 number one hit "My Eyes Adored You" was originally titled "Blue Eyes In Georgia", but was altered by Valli when he recorded it.
After "Good Lovin'" became Billboard's number one song in April, 1966, organist Felix Cavaliere admitted, "We weren't too pleased with our performance. It was a shock to us when it went to the top of the charts."
On the Mamas and Papas 1966 album "If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears", the group's name was spelled with an apostrophe before the "s" - The Mama's and Papa's. Subsequent albums opted for grammatical correctness and the apostrophes were dropped.
According to songwriter Burt Bacharach, his first choice of artist to record "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" was Ray Stevens. Fortunately for BJ Thomas, Stevens didn't like the song and passed on the opportunity.
Chad Stuart and Jeremy Clyde were a popular English duo during the British Invasion and scored two US Top Ten hits in 1964 with "Yesterday's Gone" and "A Summer Song". After the pair had gone their seperate ways, Stuart served as the musical director for the US television show The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.
The Beach Boys concert contract states that any sell-outs must be reported to all industry related newspapers and magazines.
The break up of Simon and Garfunkel came about when Art refused to record Paul's song "Cuba Si, Nixon No" for their 1969 "Bridge Over Troubled Water" LP.
"Bye Bye Love" was turned down by Elvis Presley and thirty other artists before The Everly Brothers recorded it. Their version rose to #2 in the US and stayed on the charts for 22 weeks.
The Flamingos 1959 smash, "I Only Have Eyes For You" was first performed by actor Dick Powell in the 1934 movie, Dames.
Gramophone was a U.S. brand name that referred to a specific brand of sound reproducing machine in the late 1800s. The name fell out of use around 1901, though it has survived in its nickname form, Grammy, as the title of the Grammy Awards. The Grammy trophy itself is a small rendering of a gramophone.
The inclusion of "Louie Louie" in the John Belushi movie National Lampoon's Animal House, is in fact, historically incorrect. The film is set in 1962, one year prior to the Kingsmen's release.
When Little Richard (Penniman) was a teenager, he ran away from home and joined a medicine show. By the time he was 15, he was adopted by Ann and Johnny Johnson, a white family from Macon, Georgia.
On the recording session for Bob Dylan's "Like A Rolling Stone", future Blood, Sweat and Tears founder Al Kooper played organ and The Electric Flag's Mike Bloomfield played guitar.
This Date In Music History - December 9
Birthdays:
Sam Strain - O'Jays (1941)
John Traynor - Jay and the Americans (1943)
Neil Innes - Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band (1944)
Walter 'Clyde' Orange - Commodores (1946)
Joan Armatrading (1950)
Jack Sonni - Dire Straits (1954)
Donny Osmond (1957)
Nick Seymour - Crowded House (1958)
Kat Bjelland - Babes In Toyland (1963)
Paul H. Landers - Rammstein (1964)
Brian Bell - Weezer (1968)
Jakob Dylan - Wallflowers (1969)
Geoff Barrow - Portishead (1971)
Frank Wright III, 'Tre Cool' - Green Day (1972)
Chris Wolstenholme - Muse (1978)
They Are Missed:
Sonny Til, the lead singer of the '50's Doo Wop group, The Orioles, died of a heart attack in 1981. He was 56.
Darren Robinson, founder member of The Fat Boys died of a heart attack in 1995, weighing 450lb (204kg) at the time of his death. Also known as Buffy, The Human Beat Box, and DJ Doctor Nice.
Born today in 1932, Junior Wells, blues singer, harmonica player. Worked with Muddy Waters, Van Morrison, Carlos Santana, Bonnie Raitt, toured with The Rolling Stones in 1970. He died on January 5, 1998.
Born on this day in 1943, Rick Danko, guitar, vocals, The Band. Died December 10, 1999.
Born today in 1970, Zak Foley, EMF. Died December 31, 2001 (age 31).
Stereolab singer Mary Hanson was killed in a cycling accident after colliding with a tipper truck in East London in 2002.
Mike Botts, drummer for the Soft Rock band Bread, passed away in Burbank, California in 2005, one day after his 61st birthday, having suffered from colon cancer.
In 2006, Fred Marsden, the drummer for the Merseybeat band Gerry and the Pacemakers, died of cancer at the age of 66. The group disbanded in 1967. Gerry Marsden reformed the Pacemakers in 1973 but without Fred, who had given up the music business to be a telephone operator and later established The Pacemaker Driving School.
History:
In 1955, Johnny Cash played two shows at Arkansas High School, in Swifton, Elvis Presley opened the show.
The Beatles played at the Palais Ballroom in Aldershot in 1961 to a crowd of just 18 people. The date had not been advertised, owing to the local newspaper's refusal to accept the promoter's cheque. After the show the Beatles became rowdy, getting themselves ordered out of town by the local police.
The Tokens' "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" tops the Cashbox Magazine Best Sellers Chart for the first of a four week run in 1961.
The Four Seasons sang their current hit, "Big Girls Don't Cry" on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1962.
The first Supremes album, 'Meet The Supremes,' was released by Motown Records in 1963. The LP contained their first US Top 40 hit, "When The Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes."
The Beatles album 'A Collection Of Beatles Oldies' was released in the UK in 1966.
The Doors appeared at the New Haven Arena, New Haven, Connecticut in 1967. Before the show a policeman found singer Jim Morrison making out with an 18 year-old girl in a backstage shower and after an argument the policeman sprays mace in Morrison’s face. Once on stage Morrison tells the story of the backstage episode and starts taunting the police who drag him off the stage and arrest him. The crowd riots leaving the venue in disarray and many are arrested. Later over 100 protestors gathered at the police station in demonstration and more arrests were made.
The Supremes' and the Temptations' "TCB (Takin' Care of Business") special aired on NBC-TV in 1968.
Helen Reddy became Australia's first female artist to have a number one record on the US chart when "I Am Woman" reached the top of the Billboard hit parade in 1972. Surprisingly, the song didn't chart at all in the UK. Reddy would achieve two more US number one singles over the next couple of years with, "Delta Dawn" and "Angie Baby".
The Moody Blues hit number one on the US album charts in 1972 with 'Seventh Sojourn.' It will be their last album of new material for more than five years as the group's members split to record and to tour as solo artists.
Elton John's "Crocodile Rock" was released in 1972. It would become his fourth US Top Ten hit and first number one single.
In 1974, George Harrison released his first album on his Dark Horse label, approprietly titled 'Dark Horse.'
In 1978, John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd released their version of Sam & Dave's "Soul Man" under the name The Blues Brothers. Belushi and Ackroyd would reach #14 in the US, while the original had topped out at #2.
In 1980, Yoko Ono issued a statement to the press that read: "There is no funeral for John. John loved and prayed for the human race. Please do the same for him. Love, Yoko and Sean." She also pleaded with chanting and singing mourners outside The Dakota to re-convene in Central Park the following Sunday for ten minutes of silent prayer. Over 225,000 did.
In 1984, Michael Jackson announced that at the end of the current Jackson's tour, he will launch a solo career and no longer perform with his brothers.
According to a poll released in the US in 1988, the music of Neil Diamond was favored as the best background music for sex, Beethoven was the second choice and Luther Vandross was voted third. What, no Barry White? Beethoven?
Michael Jackson played the first of nine sold-out nights on his Bad World Tour at the Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan in 1988.
Billy Joel started a two week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1989 with "We Didn't Start The Fire."
During their 'Use Your Illusion Tour' in 1991, Guns n' Roses played the first of three nights at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.
Saying that he had "seen it all and done it all," bassist Bill Wyman quits the Rolling Stones in 1992, after over 30 years with the group.
In 1992, George Harrison was the recipient of the first Century Award, presented by Tom Petty at the third Billboard Music Awards in Universal City, California.
In 1993, country singer Travis Tritt’s video of the Eagles “Take It Easy” has appearances by Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Don Felder, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit. This fuels all sorts of Eagles’ reunion rumors. Still. It doesn’t happen until the following year.
Even though they had disbanded 25 years earlier, The Beatles had the number one album in the US in 1995 when 'Anthology' hit the top for the first of three weeks. It sells 855,000 copies in its first week of release. It would go on to sell over 4 million copies and included rare Beatle recordings in the form of demos, alternate takes, live versions and previously unreleased material.
Also in 1995 - "Free as a Bird," debuted on a six-hour ABC documentary on the Beatles. It was their first new song in 25 years.
The surviving members of The Grateful Dead officially disbanded the group in 1995, following Jerry Garcia's death in August.
In 2000, Sharon Corr of The Corrs called for the legalisation of cannabis, claiming that the drug has medicinal properties. Sharon said, 'Some people with certain conditions can get a brief reprieve from their symptoms through cannabis.' Amen to that....
U2 made their first-ever appearance on the long-running NBC program 'Saturday Night Live' in 2000. The band played "Beautiful Day" and "Elevation."
Usher went to #1 on the US singles chart in 2001 with "U Got It Bad."
In 2002, Paul McCartney sparked another Beatles feud with the release of his live album, 'Back in the US.' Against the wishes of John Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, the nineteen Beatles songs included on the two-disc set are credited to "Paul McCartney and John Lennon" rather than the traditional "Lennon / McCartney.' Now that is just disrepectful to Lennon, why would he do that?
Also in 2002, Pat Boone returned to Billboard's Hot 100 after a 40 year absence. His new song, "Under God", was written in response to a lawsuit filed in San Francisco by an agnostic who claimed his daughter's constitutional rights were violated by having to say the words "under God" when her school recites the Pledge of Allegiance. The record briefly rose to number 25, ahead of songs by the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Jay-Z. Boone's last Top 40 hit was "Speedy Gonzalez", which made it to number 6 in 1962.
In 2003, Ozzy Osbourne was admitted to Wexham Park Hospital in Slough, Berkshire after being injured in a quad bike accident at his UK home. The 55 year-old singer broke his collarbone, eight ribs and a vertebra in his neck. News of Osbourne's accident reached the House of Commons, where the government sent a goodwill message.
‘A Celebrity Thumbprints’ auction took place on ebayliveauctions.com in 2003. Beyonce, Kelly Osbourne, Coldplay, Blue and Westlife were among the stars whose thumbprints went under the hammer.
Owners of The Station in Rhode Island, Jeffrey and Michael Derderian and Great White tour manager Dan Biechele were each charged with involuntary manslaughter in 2003. 100 people were killed in a fire at the club the previous February after Biechele lit the pyrotechnics that sparked the blaze.
In 2005, a man charged with stealing more than $300,000 worth of Elvis Presley's jewelry from the Elvis-A-Rama museum appeared in a Las Vegas court. 30 year old Eliab Aguilar was arrested on November 3rd after police said he approached a retired Elvis impersonator and offered to sell him several items including Presley's 1953 class ring from Humes High School worth $32,000, a 41 carat ruby and diamond ring worth $77,000 and a gold-plated Smith & Wesson .38 special.
Also in 2005, Joss Stone, Lemar and Ms. Dynamite backed by the African Children's Choir and 1,200 school children set a new world record for the most children singing simultaneously. The ‘Big Sing’ was held at The Royal Albert Hall, London. The singers led a performance of "Lean On Me" which was broadcast to more than half a million people.
Jay-Z was at #1 on the US album chart in 2006 with his comeback album ‘Kingdom Come.’
An acetate LP of the Velvet Underground’s first recording sold for $155,401 on e-Bay in 2006. The record was purchased by a collector for 75 cents four years earlier. Acetates were generally used as demos since they were cheap and of inferior quality to commercial albums. How the acetate got into 'The Velvet Underground & Nico' sleeve remains a mystery. This demo was rejected by Columbia with the Underground releasing their influential debut on Verve in March of ’67.
The "Red Rocker Chopper," a custom-designed motorcycle boasting artwork inspired by Sammy Hagar, was raffled off online for charity in 2006. Proceeds go to the First Candle organization, which works to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and stillbirth. "It is an honor to help spread awareness about these tragedies in order to save as many babies' lives as possible," says Hagar. Great thinking Mr. Hagar!
In 2008, the US military released a list of songs they use to break down detainees in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay (Cuba). "Enter Sandman" – Metallica, "Bodies" – Drowning Pool, "Born In The U.S.A." – Bruce Springsteen and a double shot, "Shoot To Thrill"/Hell’s Bell’s" – AC/DC, topped the list which also includes tracks by Nine Inch Nails. "It's difficult for me to imagine anything more profoundly insulting, demeaning and enraging than discovering music you've put your heart and soul into creating has been used for purposes of torture," writes frontman Trent Reznor in an online post. In addition, Rage Against The Machine's Tom Morello backs the Reprieve organization's Zero dB initiative protesting the use of music to torture political prisoners. The campaign promotes periods of silence during concerts and festivals to show solidarity for the victims of this psychological torture method. Among those supporting the effort are RATM, Metallica, Nine Inch Nails and AC/DC.
Sam Strain - O'Jays (1941)
John Traynor - Jay and the Americans (1943)
Neil Innes - Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band (1944)
Walter 'Clyde' Orange - Commodores (1946)
Joan Armatrading (1950)
Jack Sonni - Dire Straits (1954)
Donny Osmond (1957)
Nick Seymour - Crowded House (1958)
Kat Bjelland - Babes In Toyland (1963)
Paul H. Landers - Rammstein (1964)
Brian Bell - Weezer (1968)
Jakob Dylan - Wallflowers (1969)
Geoff Barrow - Portishead (1971)
Frank Wright III, 'Tre Cool' - Green Day (1972)
Chris Wolstenholme - Muse (1978)
They Are Missed:
Sonny Til, the lead singer of the '50's Doo Wop group, The Orioles, died of a heart attack in 1981. He was 56.
Darren Robinson, founder member of The Fat Boys died of a heart attack in 1995, weighing 450lb (204kg) at the time of his death. Also known as Buffy, The Human Beat Box, and DJ Doctor Nice.
Born today in 1932, Junior Wells, blues singer, harmonica player. Worked with Muddy Waters, Van Morrison, Carlos Santana, Bonnie Raitt, toured with The Rolling Stones in 1970. He died on January 5, 1998.
Born on this day in 1943, Rick Danko, guitar, vocals, The Band. Died December 10, 1999.
Born today in 1970, Zak Foley, EMF. Died December 31, 2001 (age 31).
Stereolab singer Mary Hanson was killed in a cycling accident after colliding with a tipper truck in East London in 2002.
Mike Botts, drummer for the Soft Rock band Bread, passed away in Burbank, California in 2005, one day after his 61st birthday, having suffered from colon cancer.
In 2006, Fred Marsden, the drummer for the Merseybeat band Gerry and the Pacemakers, died of cancer at the age of 66. The group disbanded in 1967. Gerry Marsden reformed the Pacemakers in 1973 but without Fred, who had given up the music business to be a telephone operator and later established The Pacemaker Driving School.
History:
In 1955, Johnny Cash played two shows at Arkansas High School, in Swifton, Elvis Presley opened the show.
The Beatles played at the Palais Ballroom in Aldershot in 1961 to a crowd of just 18 people. The date had not been advertised, owing to the local newspaper's refusal to accept the promoter's cheque. After the show the Beatles became rowdy, getting themselves ordered out of town by the local police.
The Tokens' "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" tops the Cashbox Magazine Best Sellers Chart for the first of a four week run in 1961.
The Four Seasons sang their current hit, "Big Girls Don't Cry" on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1962.
The first Supremes album, 'Meet The Supremes,' was released by Motown Records in 1963. The LP contained their first US Top 40 hit, "When The Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes."
The Beatles album 'A Collection Of Beatles Oldies' was released in the UK in 1966.
The Doors appeared at the New Haven Arena, New Haven, Connecticut in 1967. Before the show a policeman found singer Jim Morrison making out with an 18 year-old girl in a backstage shower and after an argument the policeman sprays mace in Morrison’s face. Once on stage Morrison tells the story of the backstage episode and starts taunting the police who drag him off the stage and arrest him. The crowd riots leaving the venue in disarray and many are arrested. Later over 100 protestors gathered at the police station in demonstration and more arrests were made.
The Supremes' and the Temptations' "TCB (Takin' Care of Business") special aired on NBC-TV in 1968.
Helen Reddy became Australia's first female artist to have a number one record on the US chart when "I Am Woman" reached the top of the Billboard hit parade in 1972. Surprisingly, the song didn't chart at all in the UK. Reddy would achieve two more US number one singles over the next couple of years with, "Delta Dawn" and "Angie Baby".
The Moody Blues hit number one on the US album charts in 1972 with 'Seventh Sojourn.' It will be their last album of new material for more than five years as the group's members split to record and to tour as solo artists.
Elton John's "Crocodile Rock" was released in 1972. It would become his fourth US Top Ten hit and first number one single.
In 1974, George Harrison released his first album on his Dark Horse label, approprietly titled 'Dark Horse.'
In 1978, John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd released their version of Sam & Dave's "Soul Man" under the name The Blues Brothers. Belushi and Ackroyd would reach #14 in the US, while the original had topped out at #2.
In 1980, Yoko Ono issued a statement to the press that read: "There is no funeral for John. John loved and prayed for the human race. Please do the same for him. Love, Yoko and Sean." She also pleaded with chanting and singing mourners outside The Dakota to re-convene in Central Park the following Sunday for ten minutes of silent prayer. Over 225,000 did.
In 1984, Michael Jackson announced that at the end of the current Jackson's tour, he will launch a solo career and no longer perform with his brothers.
According to a poll released in the US in 1988, the music of Neil Diamond was favored as the best background music for sex, Beethoven was the second choice and Luther Vandross was voted third. What, no Barry White? Beethoven?
Michael Jackson played the first of nine sold-out nights on his Bad World Tour at the Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan in 1988.
Billy Joel started a two week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1989 with "We Didn't Start The Fire."
During their 'Use Your Illusion Tour' in 1991, Guns n' Roses played the first of three nights at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.
Saying that he had "seen it all and done it all," bassist Bill Wyman quits the Rolling Stones in 1992, after over 30 years with the group.
In 1992, George Harrison was the recipient of the first Century Award, presented by Tom Petty at the third Billboard Music Awards in Universal City, California.
In 1993, country singer Travis Tritt’s video of the Eagles “Take It Easy” has appearances by Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Don Felder, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit. This fuels all sorts of Eagles’ reunion rumors. Still. It doesn’t happen until the following year.
Even though they had disbanded 25 years earlier, The Beatles had the number one album in the US in 1995 when 'Anthology' hit the top for the first of three weeks. It sells 855,000 copies in its first week of release. It would go on to sell over 4 million copies and included rare Beatle recordings in the form of demos, alternate takes, live versions and previously unreleased material.
Also in 1995 - "Free as a Bird," debuted on a six-hour ABC documentary on the Beatles. It was their first new song in 25 years.
The surviving members of The Grateful Dead officially disbanded the group in 1995, following Jerry Garcia's death in August.
In 2000, Sharon Corr of The Corrs called for the legalisation of cannabis, claiming that the drug has medicinal properties. Sharon said, 'Some people with certain conditions can get a brief reprieve from their symptoms through cannabis.' Amen to that....
U2 made their first-ever appearance on the long-running NBC program 'Saturday Night Live' in 2000. The band played "Beautiful Day" and "Elevation."
Usher went to #1 on the US singles chart in 2001 with "U Got It Bad."
In 2002, Paul McCartney sparked another Beatles feud with the release of his live album, 'Back in the US.' Against the wishes of John Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, the nineteen Beatles songs included on the two-disc set are credited to "Paul McCartney and John Lennon" rather than the traditional "Lennon / McCartney.' Now that is just disrepectful to Lennon, why would he do that?
Also in 2002, Pat Boone returned to Billboard's Hot 100 after a 40 year absence. His new song, "Under God", was written in response to a lawsuit filed in San Francisco by an agnostic who claimed his daughter's constitutional rights were violated by having to say the words "under God" when her school recites the Pledge of Allegiance. The record briefly rose to number 25, ahead of songs by the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Jay-Z. Boone's last Top 40 hit was "Speedy Gonzalez", which made it to number 6 in 1962.
In 2003, Ozzy Osbourne was admitted to Wexham Park Hospital in Slough, Berkshire after being injured in a quad bike accident at his UK home. The 55 year-old singer broke his collarbone, eight ribs and a vertebra in his neck. News of Osbourne's accident reached the House of Commons, where the government sent a goodwill message.
‘A Celebrity Thumbprints’ auction took place on ebayliveauctions.com in 2003. Beyonce, Kelly Osbourne, Coldplay, Blue and Westlife were among the stars whose thumbprints went under the hammer.
Owners of The Station in Rhode Island, Jeffrey and Michael Derderian and Great White tour manager Dan Biechele were each charged with involuntary manslaughter in 2003. 100 people were killed in a fire at the club the previous February after Biechele lit the pyrotechnics that sparked the blaze.
In 2005, a man charged with stealing more than $300,000 worth of Elvis Presley's jewelry from the Elvis-A-Rama museum appeared in a Las Vegas court. 30 year old Eliab Aguilar was arrested on November 3rd after police said he approached a retired Elvis impersonator and offered to sell him several items including Presley's 1953 class ring from Humes High School worth $32,000, a 41 carat ruby and diamond ring worth $77,000 and a gold-plated Smith & Wesson .38 special.
Also in 2005, Joss Stone, Lemar and Ms. Dynamite backed by the African Children's Choir and 1,200 school children set a new world record for the most children singing simultaneously. The ‘Big Sing’ was held at The Royal Albert Hall, London. The singers led a performance of "Lean On Me" which was broadcast to more than half a million people.
Jay-Z was at #1 on the US album chart in 2006 with his comeback album ‘Kingdom Come.’
An acetate LP of the Velvet Underground’s first recording sold for $155,401 on e-Bay in 2006. The record was purchased by a collector for 75 cents four years earlier. Acetates were generally used as demos since they were cheap and of inferior quality to commercial albums. How the acetate got into 'The Velvet Underground & Nico' sleeve remains a mystery. This demo was rejected by Columbia with the Underground releasing their influential debut on Verve in March of ’67.
The "Red Rocker Chopper," a custom-designed motorcycle boasting artwork inspired by Sammy Hagar, was raffled off online for charity in 2006. Proceeds go to the First Candle organization, which works to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and stillbirth. "It is an honor to help spread awareness about these tragedies in order to save as many babies' lives as possible," says Hagar. Great thinking Mr. Hagar!
In 2008, the US military released a list of songs they use to break down detainees in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay (Cuba). "Enter Sandman" – Metallica, "Bodies" – Drowning Pool, "Born In The U.S.A." – Bruce Springsteen and a double shot, "Shoot To Thrill"/Hell’s Bell’s" – AC/DC, topped the list which also includes tracks by Nine Inch Nails. "It's difficult for me to imagine anything more profoundly insulting, demeaning and enraging than discovering music you've put your heart and soul into creating has been used for purposes of torture," writes frontman Trent Reznor in an online post. In addition, Rage Against The Machine's Tom Morello backs the Reprieve organization's Zero dB initiative protesting the use of music to torture political prisoners. The campaign promotes periods of silence during concerts and festivals to show solidarity for the victims of this psychological torture method. Among those supporting the effort are RATM, Metallica, Nine Inch Nails and AC/DC.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
R.I.P. Mr. Lennon
Writing from Tokyo, Japan, on website ImaginePeace.com, Yoko Ono has paid tribute to husband:
“This year would have been the 70th birthday year for John if only he was here,” she wrote. “But people are not questioning if he is here or not. They just love him and are keeping him alive with their love. I’ve received notes from all corners of the world to let me know that they were celebrating this year to thank John for having given us so much in his forty short years on earth.
“The most important gift we received from him was not words, but deeds. He believed in Truth, and had dared to speak up. We all knew that he upset certain powerful people with it. But that was John. He couldn’t have been in any other way. If he were here now, I think he would have shouted so we can all hear it. That truth was important. Because without knowing all the truth of what we did, we could not achieve world peace.
“On this day, the day he was assassinated for being a truth seeker and a communicator, what I remember is the night we both cracked up drinking tea.
“They say teenagers laugh with a drop of a hat. But nowadays I see many teenagers angry and sad at each other. John and I were hardly teenagers. But my memory of us is that we were a couple who laughed.”
Ask Mr. Music by Jerry Osborne
FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 6, 2010
DEAR JERRY: Loved learning about all the versions of “Whole Lot of Shaking Goin' On” that preceded Jerry Lee Lewis' hit.
Will you do some similar research on another rock classic, “Shake, Rattle and Roll”?
Versions by Joe Turner; Bill Haley and the Comets; and Elvis are renowned, and all are played regularly on oldies stations.
But, according to a music forum I read, earlier versions also exist, perhaps by whoever wrote the song.
Is this true?
—Doug Bisbee, Milwaukee
DEAR DOUG: Yes, there is one from about 35 years before Joe Turner's hit topped the R&B charts in the summer 1954.
However, the “Shake, Rattle and Roll” issued in 1919 is an entirely different song than the one written by Charles Calhoun (née Jesse Stone) and waxed by Joe Turner (1954); Bill Haley (1954); and Elvis Presley (1956).
Many others followed: Buddy Holly (1956); Sam Cooke (1963); Swinging Blue Jeans (1964); Arthur Conley (1967); Sha Na Na (1973); Chuck Berry (1975); Billy Swan (1976), and Huey Lewis (1994), to cite a few familiar names.
Calhoun, who could also sing, did record a few songs in the mid-'50s, but not “Shake, Rattle and Roll.”
The 1919 “Shake, Rattle and Roll,” by Al “The Boy from Dixie” Bernard (Okeh 1235), tells the story of Ol' Jim, a gamblin' man.
Make that a compulsive gamblin' man, particularly when there's a game of street craps calling his name. Jim loves to shake, rattle, and then roll the dotted cubes, describing the thrill thusly: “When I shake, rattle and roll, it sounds like a melody.”
Bernard, like Al Jolson, was a hugely popular minstrel and vaudeville star who performed many different styles of music with a flair, at times in blackface.
Among his best-known tunes are “The St. Louis Blues”; “I Want to Hold You in My Arms”; the Jolson-esque “I Want My Mammy”; and my favorite, “Frankie and Johnny.”
He is the first of over 250 American artists to record this standard. Al's “Frankie and Johnny” is first-rate entertainment, even by today's standards. One listen and it is clear why Al Bernard was so well-liked.
DEAR JERRY: One of the best albums in a long time, by a former Beatle, is the Pete Best Band's “Haymans Green.”
Unfortunately, it didn't get much publicity in the U.S.
Does Pete Best have plans yet for another CD?
—Mike Manaige, White Bear Township, Minn.
DEAR MIKE: I agree, with one slight modification: “Haymans Green” is among the best albums EVER by any of the ex-Beatles! “Haymans Green,” one of the 11 songs as well as the CD title, is the name of the Best family property where Pete grew up.
As explained best by Best, in an Orlando Weekly interview: “It was my mother's pipe dream, it was the encapsulation of our dreams. Haymans Green is so important; a great big house with four stories, cellars, massive gardens. Even though our mum [Mona] has moved on to greener pastures, we're keeping her legacy alive.”
In one of those cellars at 8 Haymans Green, West Derby Village, Liverpool, is where Mona Best began the Casbah Coffee Club, the same Casbah Club, where the Beatles — John, Paul, George, Pete, and temporary guitarist, Charles “Chas” Newby — first encountered Beatlemania.
That historic event took place 50 years ago this month, and almost two years before the Beatles would have their name on a record, or a record on the UK charts.
“Haymans Green” is Pete's sixth album since 1965, but his first ever studio album of original compositions. All the new tunes are co-written by Pete, along with members of the band.
One member is Pete's younger brother, Vincent “Roag” Best, who plays drums alongside his dad. It is unusual to see a small combo with two separate drummers.
No new album is being mentioned yet, but after “Haymans Green,” how could they not rock on?
For those who have no idea what makes this critically-acclaimed CD so special, especially you fans of the Beatles mid-'60s sound, give a listen to “Gone.” It's on YouTube as well as all the usual music sites.
IZ ZAT SO? Pete Best comes full circle this month, with a December 17th Casbah Club 50th anniversary concert at his beloved Haymans Green.
One of Pete's humorous memories of that night involves this wording used on the original concert posters: “The Beatles Direct From Hamburg Germany.”
Yes, the lads just returned from Hamburg, but the crowd was expecting a German band.
Some in attendance even wanted a refund, claiming misrepresentation, which it was not.
But once they began to sing, the teenage crowd went wild.
Now they wanted an encore, not a refund.
DEAR JERRY: Loved learning about all the versions of “Whole Lot of Shaking Goin' On” that preceded Jerry Lee Lewis' hit.
Will you do some similar research on another rock classic, “Shake, Rattle and Roll”?
Versions by Joe Turner; Bill Haley and the Comets; and Elvis are renowned, and all are played regularly on oldies stations.
But, according to a music forum I read, earlier versions also exist, perhaps by whoever wrote the song.
Is this true?
—Doug Bisbee, Milwaukee
DEAR DOUG: Yes, there is one from about 35 years before Joe Turner's hit topped the R&B charts in the summer 1954.
However, the “Shake, Rattle and Roll” issued in 1919 is an entirely different song than the one written by Charles Calhoun (née Jesse Stone) and waxed by Joe Turner (1954); Bill Haley (1954); and Elvis Presley (1956).
Many others followed: Buddy Holly (1956); Sam Cooke (1963); Swinging Blue Jeans (1964); Arthur Conley (1967); Sha Na Na (1973); Chuck Berry (1975); Billy Swan (1976), and Huey Lewis (1994), to cite a few familiar names.
Calhoun, who could also sing, did record a few songs in the mid-'50s, but not “Shake, Rattle and Roll.”
The 1919 “Shake, Rattle and Roll,” by Al “The Boy from Dixie” Bernard (Okeh 1235), tells the story of Ol' Jim, a gamblin' man.
Make that a compulsive gamblin' man, particularly when there's a game of street craps calling his name. Jim loves to shake, rattle, and then roll the dotted cubes, describing the thrill thusly: “When I shake, rattle and roll, it sounds like a melody.”
Bernard, like Al Jolson, was a hugely popular minstrel and vaudeville star who performed many different styles of music with a flair, at times in blackface.
Among his best-known tunes are “The St. Louis Blues”; “I Want to Hold You in My Arms”; the Jolson-esque “I Want My Mammy”; and my favorite, “Frankie and Johnny.”
He is the first of over 250 American artists to record this standard. Al's “Frankie and Johnny” is first-rate entertainment, even by today's standards. One listen and it is clear why Al Bernard was so well-liked.
DEAR JERRY: One of the best albums in a long time, by a former Beatle, is the Pete Best Band's “Haymans Green.”
Unfortunately, it didn't get much publicity in the U.S.
Does Pete Best have plans yet for another CD?
—Mike Manaige, White Bear Township, Minn.
As explained best by Best, in an Orlando Weekly interview: “It was my mother's pipe dream, it was the encapsulation of our dreams. Haymans Green is so important; a great big house with four stories, cellars, massive gardens. Even though our mum [Mona] has moved on to greener pastures, we're keeping her legacy alive.”
In one of those cellars at 8 Haymans Green, West Derby Village, Liverpool, is where Mona Best began the Casbah Coffee Club, the same Casbah Club, where the Beatles — John, Paul, George, Pete, and temporary guitarist, Charles “Chas” Newby — first encountered Beatlemania.
That historic event took place 50 years ago this month, and almost two years before the Beatles would have their name on a record, or a record on the UK charts.
“Haymans Green” is Pete's sixth album since 1965, but his first ever studio album of original compositions. All the new tunes are co-written by Pete, along with members of the band.
One member is Pete's younger brother, Vincent “Roag” Best, who plays drums alongside his dad. It is unusual to see a small combo with two separate drummers.
No new album is being mentioned yet, but after “Haymans Green,” how could they not rock on?
For those who have no idea what makes this critically-acclaimed CD so special, especially you fans of the Beatles mid-'60s sound, give a listen to “Gone.” It's on YouTube as well as all the usual music sites.
IZ ZAT SO? Pete Best comes full circle this month, with a December 17th Casbah Club 50th anniversary concert at his beloved Haymans Green.
One of Pete's humorous memories of that night involves this wording used on the original concert posters: “The Beatles Direct From Hamburg Germany.”
Yes, the lads just returned from Hamburg, but the crowd was expecting a German band.
Some in attendance even wanted a refund, claiming misrepresentation, which it was not.
But once they began to sing, the teenage crowd went wild.
Now they wanted an encore, not a refund.
Jerry Osborne answers as many questions as possible through this column. Write Jerry at: Box 255, Port Townsend, WA 98368 E-mail: jpo@olympus.net Visit his Web site: http://www.jerryosborne.com/
All values quoted in this column are for near-mint condition.
Copyright 2010 Osborne Enterprises- Reprinted By Permission
Rock & Roll Trivia
In 1959, Philadelpia's Overbrook Highschool boys basketball team won their league championship. Members of the team included future NBA stars, Walt Hazzard and Wally Jones, along with Len Borisoff, who would later change his name to Len Barry and become a member of The Dovells, who had a hit with "The Bristol Stomp" as well as having a solo hit with "1-2-3".
Chip Taylor is the stage name of American songwriter James Wesley Voight, brother of actor Jon Voight and uncle of actress Angelina Jolie. Besides writing The Troggs' hit "Wild Thing", he also penned "Angel of the Morning", by both Merrilee Rush and Juice Newton as well as "I Can Make It With You" by The Pozo Seco Singers and many other hit records.
When a poem called "Too Many Teardrops" was put to music, it was re-titled "69 Tears". Knowing that a song with such a name would never get any radio air play, it was re-named "96 Tears" and by October, 1966 became a number one hit for Question Mark and The Mysterians.
Vee Jay Records was the most successful Black owned and operated record company before Motown. The firm was founded in 1953 by Vivian Carter (the "Vee") and her husband, James Bracken (the "Jay").
Brian Jones, the original lead guitarist of The Rolling Stones, is said to have fathered six illegitimate children before his untimely death on July 3rd, 1969.
Although Ernie K-Doe had a US number one smash with "Mother-in-law" in 1961, he failed to match that song's success with any other release. His career came to a halt in the 70s and 80s and he often wandered the streets singing for spare change. In the mid-90s he turned his fortunes around and opened a successful night club.
The husband and wife song-writing team of Felice and Boudleaux Byant have said that they wrote the Everly Brothers' 1958 number one hit "All I Have To Do Is Dream" in about 15 minutes.
According to legend, to add the authentic sound of a motorcycle engine to The Shangri-Las' "Leader Of The Pack", one was driven through the lobby of the hotel and up to the floor of the recording studio. However, in an interview four decades later, Shangri-Las lead singer Mary Weiss scoffed at this story and said that the motorcycle sound was simply taken from an effects record.
Bruce Springsteen was once the opening act for Canadian singer, Anne Murray, of "Snowbird" fame.
The Lovin' Spoonful's John Sebastian played harmonica on The Doors' recording of "Road House Blues". He is credited on the album as G. Puglese.
Although AM radio broadcasts were tested in 1906 and used for voice and music broadcasts up until WW1, it wasn't until 1916, when 8XK in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania began regularly scheduled broadcasts.
The first 'live' television satellite program to air worldwide was a two-hour show called Our World, in which The Beatles performed "All You Need is Love" on June 25, 1967.
The Lovin' Spoonful's "Daydream" was included in John Lennon's personal jukebox along with "Do You Believe In Magic?" Paul McCartney later said that "Daydream" was a major influence on his composition "Good Day Sunshine."
Sam and Dave were a Soul singing duo who scored a half dozen hits on the US pop and R&B charts in the mid 1960s, including "Hold On, I'm Comin'". The two didn't get along very well and seldom spoke to each other off stage. Sam Moore said he lost all respect for his partner Dave Prater after Prater shot his own wife during a 1968 domsestic dispute, an incident for which he was never prosecuted.
There have been over 30 different members of The Drifters and two entirely seperate sets of singers known by that name. The first group of Drifters had a couple of hits on the R&B chart in the mid-fifties, but after Clyde McPhatter left in 1956, the remaining members had a falling out with their manager and were all fired. A new version of the Drifters featured Ben E. King on "There Goes My Baby", "This Magic Moment" and "Save The Last Dance For Me" before he quit. Rudy Lewis replaced King as lead vocalist for "Some Kind Of Wonderful", "Up On The Roof" and "On Broadway", but he suffered a fatal heart attack in 1964. Johnny Moore, from the original set of Drifters then re-joined to sing "Under The Boardwalk", as well as a series of moderate British hits.
Even though the members of the three piece band called America are all from the US, they actually met and formed the group while they were living in the UK.
Diana Ross has recorded 18 US number one songs, but has never won a Grammy Award.
Chip Taylor is the stage name of American songwriter James Wesley Voight, brother of actor Jon Voight and uncle of actress Angelina Jolie. Besides writing The Troggs' hit "Wild Thing", he also penned "Angel of the Morning", by both Merrilee Rush and Juice Newton as well as "I Can Make It With You" by The Pozo Seco Singers and many other hit records.
When a poem called "Too Many Teardrops" was put to music, it was re-titled "69 Tears". Knowing that a song with such a name would never get any radio air play, it was re-named "96 Tears" and by October, 1966 became a number one hit for Question Mark and The Mysterians.
Vee Jay Records was the most successful Black owned and operated record company before Motown. The firm was founded in 1953 by Vivian Carter (the "Vee") and her husband, James Bracken (the "Jay").
Brian Jones, the original lead guitarist of The Rolling Stones, is said to have fathered six illegitimate children before his untimely death on July 3rd, 1969.
Although Ernie K-Doe had a US number one smash with "Mother-in-law" in 1961, he failed to match that song's success with any other release. His career came to a halt in the 70s and 80s and he often wandered the streets singing for spare change. In the mid-90s he turned his fortunes around and opened a successful night club.
The husband and wife song-writing team of Felice and Boudleaux Byant have said that they wrote the Everly Brothers' 1958 number one hit "All I Have To Do Is Dream" in about 15 minutes.
According to legend, to add the authentic sound of a motorcycle engine to The Shangri-Las' "Leader Of The Pack", one was driven through the lobby of the hotel and up to the floor of the recording studio. However, in an interview four decades later, Shangri-Las lead singer Mary Weiss scoffed at this story and said that the motorcycle sound was simply taken from an effects record.
Bruce Springsteen was once the opening act for Canadian singer, Anne Murray, of "Snowbird" fame.
The Lovin' Spoonful's John Sebastian played harmonica on The Doors' recording of "Road House Blues". He is credited on the album as G. Puglese.
Although AM radio broadcasts were tested in 1906 and used for voice and music broadcasts up until WW1, it wasn't until 1916, when 8XK in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania began regularly scheduled broadcasts.
The first 'live' television satellite program to air worldwide was a two-hour show called Our World, in which The Beatles performed "All You Need is Love" on June 25, 1967.
The Lovin' Spoonful's "Daydream" was included in John Lennon's personal jukebox along with "Do You Believe In Magic?" Paul McCartney later said that "Daydream" was a major influence on his composition "Good Day Sunshine."
Sam and Dave were a Soul singing duo who scored a half dozen hits on the US pop and R&B charts in the mid 1960s, including "Hold On, I'm Comin'". The two didn't get along very well and seldom spoke to each other off stage. Sam Moore said he lost all respect for his partner Dave Prater after Prater shot his own wife during a 1968 domsestic dispute, an incident for which he was never prosecuted.
There have been over 30 different members of The Drifters and two entirely seperate sets of singers known by that name. The first group of Drifters had a couple of hits on the R&B chart in the mid-fifties, but after Clyde McPhatter left in 1956, the remaining members had a falling out with their manager and were all fired. A new version of the Drifters featured Ben E. King on "There Goes My Baby", "This Magic Moment" and "Save The Last Dance For Me" before he quit. Rudy Lewis replaced King as lead vocalist for "Some Kind Of Wonderful", "Up On The Roof" and "On Broadway", but he suffered a fatal heart attack in 1964. Johnny Moore, from the original set of Drifters then re-joined to sing "Under The Boardwalk", as well as a series of moderate British hits.
Even though the members of the three piece band called America are all from the US, they actually met and formed the group while they were living in the UK.
Diana Ross has recorded 18 US number one songs, but has never won a Grammy Award.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
