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Post by blackbowl68 on Mar 9, 2015 18:03:16 GMT -5
...a very funny looking primate for March 8th. He happens to a Monkee. Yes, George Michael (not the one who sang "Monkey") Dolenz turns 70, better known to you and me as Micky Dolenz. Oddly, his career is based more as an actor than a musician. He began his career young under the name Mickey Broddock, for the TV series Circus Boy. After a few more roles, he successfully auditioned for The Monkees, where he became the group's drummer on the series. Though all four members took turns for lead vocals, Micky's voice appears the most on their hit records. We all know the story of the Monkees' untimely implosion, but few know what he did after their demise. Like Casey Kasem, he lent his voice to several Saturday morning cartoon series. Although I didn't know it at the time, he was the voice of brother Todd on the TV series Devlin. He also continued to record singles but was the primary Monkee who tried to keep the group's name alive to this day. To celebrate his birthday, here's an effort he recorded in 1965 released two years later to capitalize on his fame as a Monkee. He is seemingly channeling Gene Pitney here. Don't Do It - Micky Dolenz
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Post by blackbowl68 on Mar 9, 2015 23:10:05 GMT -5
...a woman who truly reigned supreme on March 6th. No, not Diana. No, not Flo. Not Cindy, Barbara, Jean or even Susaye. There's just something about Mary...Mary Wilson, that is. From when they formed as the Primettes in Detroit, MI to their official disbandment in 1978, Mary Wilson was part of every lineup of the Supremes, the most successful American vocal group of all time. We know the superstar and sensation of the group was Diana Ross, but Mary had a sizable role (at least before Diana got top billing). Once Diana went solo, Mary Wilson was the glue holding the group together in the 1970's. Although there is still tension between two ladies, many fans still hold out for a performance featuring at least the late 60's lineup. In the meantime, it's Mary Wilson who keeps the Supremes' legacy alive. Before the hits, Mary, Diana, and Flo traded lead vocals on their recordings. Here is an interesting cover of another Motown single by the Supremes that features Mary Wilson on lead. Come and Get These Memories - The Supremes
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Post by blackbowl68 on Mar 10, 2015 5:43:50 GMT -5
....a former substitute drummer on March 9th. When a funk band from Greensboro, NC made a stop in Providence, RI in 1970, their original drummer came down sick. This birthday boy from a large musical family filled in on their gig & was later offered a permanent spot. That band became L.T.D. which later acquired his older brother Billy on their way to signing with A&M. Eventually, this former substitute drummer began to write and sing numbers like "Love Ballad" and "Every Time I Turn Around (Back In Love Again)." In 1981, he went solo and had a string of hits throughout the decade. This single was his final Hot 100 entry to date peaking at #44, but was his only solo hit to top the R&B chart. So happy birthday to Jeffrey Osborne! She's On The Left - Jeffrey Osborne
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Post by 1finemrg on Mar 10, 2015 5:46:25 GMT -5
March 10: ...Dean Torrence who turns 75 today. He is the "Dean" of Jan & Dean. After Jan Berry's tragic car accident in 1966, Dean supported his partner through his recovery and the rest of his life as Jan struggled with brain damage. He released music under their own label in Jan absence, and was the organizer behind their tours up until Jan's passing 11 years ago this month. He also made a name for himself as a graphic artist, designing many album covers and winning a 1973 "Album Cover Of The Year" Grammy for Pollution's self-titled album. We commemorate Dean's birthday with this Top 10 1964 release, co-written with Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys. Dead Man's Curve - Jan & DeanDean returned the favor by kicking off and singing lead with Brian on the Beach Boys #2 hit in 1966. It was a cover of #12 hit by the Regents in 1961. Barbara Ann - Beach Boys
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Post by 1finemrg on Mar 11, 2015 5:26:31 GMT -5
March 11: ...Dutch singer/guitarist George Kooymans. He co-founded Golden Earring in 1961, and the same four members have been together since 1970. In the Netherlands, they've had 29 top 10 singles including five that reached #1. Their most recent album from 2012 (whose title is intentionally omitted) topped the Dutch charts. Their international breakthrough came in 1973 with the #13 classic rock staple "Radar Love". It took another 9 years but they reached the Top 10 in the US and topped the Mainstream Rock Chart with this one. Twilight Zone - Golden Earring
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Post by 1finemrg on Mar 12, 2015 5:17:33 GMT -5
March 12: ...Sweet Baby James. Out of James Taylor's struggles with personal demons came some of the most iconic singer/songwriter tunes in the rock era. "Fire And Rain", "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight", "Country Road", and others will be sung and remembered for generations to come. Oddly enough, besides "Fire And Rain", his other 4 top ten singles were covers. His only #1 "You've Got A Friend" was a Carole King original, and his others were originals by Jimmy Jones "Handy Man", Marvin Gaye "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)", and Charlie & Inez Foxx "Mockingbird" (with then wife Carly Simon). It was a talent of his, putting a unique spin on covering other people's music from the Everly Brothers to Buddy Holly. In fact, his last of 10 Top 10 albums to date is his 2008 album titled "Covers". Before his success with Warner Brothers, he was signed to the Beatles Apple label and released a self-titled album. The track "Something In The Way She Moves" featuring George Harrison accompanying James on guitar became the opening line to George's Beatles classic "Something". He's a five time Grammy award winner and a 2000 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductee. Actually a song written for his nephew, he'll always be this to his fans. Sweet Baby James - James Taylor
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Post by 1finemrg on Mar 13, 2015 5:50:17 GMT -5
March 13: ...the First Lady Of Southern Soul, Candi Staton. As a teenager, she began her singing career in the Jewell Gospel Trio with her sister Maggie and Naomi Harrison. All attended the Jewell Christian Academy, and toured the gospel circuit with the Soul Stirrers (Sam Cooke, Lou Rawls), Rev R L Franklin (Aretha, Carolyn, and Erma [whose birthday also would have been today]), and Mahalia Jackson. Her secular career began when she was introduced to Fame studios Rick Hall by future husband Clarence Carter. The combination was very successful charting 16 times on the R&B charts, and crossing over with hits like "Stand By Your Man" and "Young Hearts Run Free". In 1972, she covered a Mac Davis song that was a Top 10 hit for Elvis. Her version peaked at #12 on the R&B charts and #48 on the Hot 100, and was nominated for a Grammy. In The Ghetto - Candi Staton
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Post by 1finemrg on Mar 14, 2015 0:38:07 GMT -5
March 14: ...Michael Martin Murphey He first reached the Hot 100 as one-half of the Lewis And Clarke Expedition with Boomer Castleman ("Judy Mae"). Their "I Feel Good (I Feel Bad)" reached #64 in 1967. At the request of his friend Michael Nesmith, he wrote "What Am I Doing Hangin' Around" among others for the Monkees. Murphey's first album as a solo artist contained his initial Top 40 hit. The album earned critical acclaim from Rolling Stone magazine who proclaimed him Best New Singer/Songwriter of the Year. After a label change from A&M, he broke through nationally with his second album on the Epic label. "Blue Sky - Night Thunder" yielded the platinum selling single "Wildfire". It peaked at #3 and the follow-up "Carolina In The Pines" (great song) just missed the Top 20. "Renegade" from his next album "Swans Against The Sun" edged its way into the Top 40, peaking at #39. He issued three additional albums in the 70s, and began making his mark on the country music charts. He topped the country singles charts in 1982 with "What's Forever For", which also crossed over and made the Hot 100 peaking at #19. As the eighties passed, Murphey's musical tastes turned toward traditional cowboy music. In 1990, he released "Cowboy Songs" containing his versions of public domain cowboy tunes plus his own new song "Cowboy Logic". Since then, he has released a series of critically acclaimed albums covering the cowboy and bluegrass genres. He has been a champion of the western wilderness, culture and wildlife and lent his support to associated political causes. In celebration of his birthday and his lifetime achievements we go back to the title track from his first solo album. It peaked at #37 in 1972. Geronimo's Cadillac - Michael Murphey
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Post by blackbowl68 on Mar 14, 2015 11:00:42 GMT -5
a superstar producer who has won 27 Grammy awards. Quincy Jones turns 81 on March 14th. He helped excel the careers of Lesley Gore, the Brothers Johnson, James Ingram, Michael Jackson, and Tevin Campbell to superstardom, as well as produced albums for Aretha Franklin, Donna Summer, George Benson, and Patti Austin. He also organized the USA for Africa benefit single, "We Are The World." Quincy Delight Jones was born in Chicago, IL. He began his musical chops as a trumpet player, where he toured Europe as a member of many jazz ensembles. He became musical director at Mercury Records where he produced many of Lesley Gore's hits. Fellow trumpeter Herb Alpert signed Quincy as a artist to his A&M label where he recorded several jazz albums. He also brought the Brothers Johnson to the label. In the 1980's, he founded his own Qwest label, signing Patti Austin and James Ingram. Beginning in 1964, he composed many film scores and became the arranger for many jazz artist projects. One of these was for the film version of The Wiz, where he struck up a lasting relationship with one of its stars, Michael Jackson. Quincy also composed the themes of many TV shows. His most notable is "The Streetbeater," the theme for Sanford & Son. While at Mercury, Quincy recorded an album to capitalize on a very popular dance sound. Here is a single from that album many may not realize is attributed to him. Soul Bossa Nova - Quincy Jones & his Orchestra (1962)Now, does that make you horny, baby?
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Post by 1finemrg on Mar 15, 2015 4:53:11 GMT -5
March 15: ...the man who answers this question: What did you get when you mix rock, soul, and psychedelic music beginning in the late sixties? You get funk, and his name is Sly Stone. He was born in Texas, the second of 5 children. His family moved to northern California early in his life. The children were encouraged musically by their parents, and four of the 5 would eventually become members in Sly and the Family Stone. They began in gospel music, and during Sly's high school years he eventually branched into doo-wop and rock. He was a San Francisco DJ at KSOL in the mid-sixties. At the same time, he was also a producer at Autumn records working with the Beau Brummels ("Laugh, Laugh", "Just A Littlle") and the Mojo Men ("Sit Down, I Think I Love You"). He also did some production work for The Great Society, the band that featured pre-Jefferson Airplane Grace Slick. Born Sylvester Stewart, he adopted the stage name Sly Stone and formed the Stoners in 1966. From the ashes of this band came Sly and the Family Stone. Three #1 records ("Everyday People", "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)", and "Family Affair"), and a 1993 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction were among the many achievements for Sly and the band. Musically speaking, you never knew what to expect from Sly but it was usually innovative and fresh. "Dance To The Music" was pure fun. "Everyday People" was nursery-rhyme like with a great message. You can definitely hear the roots of hip-hop in "Thank You (Falettin Me Be Mice Elf Agin)". "Family Affair" was brooding with an infectious rhythm. And with this #12 hit from 1973, Sly definitely channeled a little Al Green into his repertoire. If You Want Me To Stay - Sly and the Family Stone Bonus: Not a birthday, but since it is March 15... Its Hot 100 debut was this week in 1971. It only reached #73, but went top 5 on both Chicago radio stations. Locally, it's as beloved as their only Top 40 hit. Live version from their 50th anniversary concert last year. L.A. Goodbye - Ides Of March
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Post by 1finemrg on Mar 16, 2015 5:32:50 GMT -5
March 16: ...Nancy Wilson, Heart guitarist and singer. She joined her sister Ann in Heart in 1974. Although Ann was on lead vocals for the majority of Heart's top 40 success, it was Nancy's lead that gave the band its first #1 with "These Dreams". Working with her then-husband Cameron Crowe, she composed music for the soundtracks of "Jerry McGuire" and "Almost Famous". She can wield an axe with the best of them, from Led Zeppelin live covers of "Rock & Roll" and "Stairway To Heaven" at Led Zeppelin's Kennedy Center Honors award to the intricate and beautiful guitar work on this great track from "Little Queen". Love Alive - Heart
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Post by 1finemrg on Mar 16, 2015 23:09:49 GMT -5
March 17: ...John Sebastian, lead singer of the Lovin' Sp00nful. The Lovin' Sp00nful held their own versus the onslaught of the British Invasion. Their first 7 singles all went Top 10 in an eighteen month period between August, 1965 and February, 1967. "Summer In The City" topped the charts, and John replicated that feat as a solo artist in 1976. His only Top 40 hit "Welcome Back" peaked at #1 and became the second TV theme to do so ("Theme From SWAT" was the first). We feature the first Lovin' Sp00nful single not to make the Top 10. This gorgeous ballad peaked at #15. Darlin' Be Home Soon - Lovin' Sp00nfulJohn's harmonica work along with Lonnie Mack ("Memphis") on bass were featured on this Doors classic. Roadhouse Blues - Doors
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Post by blackbowl68 on Mar 18, 2015 3:14:20 GMT -5
March 18th...to a slew of Top 40 artists that blowing out candles on the cake. But let's start with some late greats. First, we have Wilson Pickett, born in Prattville, AL in 1941. Learning his skills in church, he migrated to Detroit where he became a member of the Falcons. He hooked up with Lloyd Price where he cut a few sides on his Double L label. This led to a legendary career with Atlantic Records starting with "In The Midnight Hour." He earned the nickname "The Wicked One." After a string of hits, he went to RCA, and later had his own label distributed by TK. We lost him in 2006 but his legend lives on. Cole, Cooke & Redding - Wilson PickettNext we have Eric Woolfson, born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1945. Though initially a songwriter, he is the primary voice you hear on hits by the Alan Parsons Project. He later went into musical theater composing Freudiana and Edgar Allan POE. We lost him in 2009 but left a sizable body of work. Prime Time - Alan Parsons ProjectOur first living legend is a singer who turns 75. It's Charley Pride born in Sledge, MI. Though he originally wanted to be a baseball player, his place as the most successful black country performer with 29 #1's cannot be denied. His chart career began in 1966 and has never looked back. His biggest success came in 1971 with "Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'," his only pop top 40 hit. He has since been inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. Happy Birthday, Mr. Pride! Is Anybody Goin' To San Antone - Charley PrideNext, we have Irene Escalara, born in New York City in 1959. Before she "sang the Body Electric," she was cast in the PBS show, The Electric Company in her early teens. Soon, she got other roles on TV, but her role in the movie Sparkle is considered her breakthrough. She also starred in the movie Fame, where she sang the title track. She also sang the title track to the movie Flashdance. Both songs won Oscars for Best Song. Her career has since cooled but don't count her out. So Happy Birthday to Miss Irene Cara! The Dream (Hold On To My Dream) - Irene CaraNext up is the very beautiful Vanessa L. Williams, born in Tarrytown, NY in 1963. So beautiful, she became the first black woman to win the title of Miss America. Sadly, she had to rescind her crown due to a photo scandal. But this lady soldiered on. She has become a highly sought after actress and even had a successful singing career, the high point being her #1 smash "Save The Best For Last." So Happy Birthday, Vanessa, because you got the... The Right Stuff - Vanessa WilliamsNow we come to a queen born Dana Owens in Newark, NJ in 1970. She started out as a rapper, one who was proud of herself and her heritage. She took on an Arabic name that translates to mean "delicate" and "sensitive." Many hip hop fans will say she was the best female in the game. But like Vanessa Williams, she expanded her horizons to acting, modeling, and even singing. All the while she maintained her classiness. Though she had many hits on the R&B and rap charts, this was only top 40 pop hit. So Happy Birthday as we hail to the Queen Latifah! U.N.I.T.Y. - Queen LatifahAnd finally, we come to the man who moves like Jagger. Adam Levine turns 36 today. He began his career as a member of a garage band called Kara's Flowers. Today, we know him as the lead singer of the group Maroon 5. They won the Best New Artist Grammy of 2004 after debuting with their first hit, "Harder To Breathe." Currently, Maroon 5 is the most successful group on the Billboard Hot 100 in the 21st century. Levine has also appeared on hits by other acts such as "Stereo Hearts" by the Gym Class Heroes. Currently, he is one of the coaches on the NBC variety show, The Voice. So Happy Birthday, Adam! One More Night - Maroon 5FOOTNOTE: Today is also the 79th birthday of Frederik Willem de Klerk. He was the last president of South Africa under apartheid rule when that policy was abolished in 1994.
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Post by 1finemrg on Mar 18, 2015 5:38:08 GMT -5
March 18: ...Jamie West-Oram, guitarist for the Fixx. Jamie joined the Fixx in 1980 and still performs with the band today. The Fixx reached the Top 40 six times, peaking with the #4 "One Thing Leads To Another" from their only Top 10 album "Reach The Beach". In addition to his work with the Fixx, Jamie appeared in Tina Turner's video, "Better Be Good To Me" as well as contributing to the soundtrack of the John Cusack movie "Better Off Dead". From 1982, here's their first charting single. Probably my favorite of theirs, it peaked at #76 and received plenty of FM radio airplay. Stand Or Fall - Fixx
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Post by 1finemrg on Mar 18, 2015 22:57:13 GMT -5
March 19: ...The late Paul Atkinson, Zombies guitarist. Paul was the guitarist on their 3 Top 40 singles "She's Not There", "Tell Her No", and "Time Of The Season", all of which made the Top 10. After the Zombies breakup, he became an A & R executive for Dick James Music. They were the publishing company for the Beatles, and discovered artists like Elton John, ABBA, and Bruce Hornsby. The Zombies had some great non-Top 40 songs like "She's Coming Home" (#58), "Whenever You're Ready", and "Indication". Then there's this non-charting original, a song People would take to #14 in 1968. I Love You - Zombies
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