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Post by 1finemrg on Dec 31, 2016 0:18:00 GMT -5
December 31: ... Burton Cummings. One of rock's underrated vocalists, saluting Burton with a pair of Guess Who great "B" sides. The flip of "No Time"... Proper Stranger - Guess Who... and this one backed "Share The Land". Bus Rider - Guess WhoI see a winter warm up this New Year's Eve. December 31: ...Donna Summer. Although she first made her mark in the European music scene, she rose to fame in the US and worldwide during the disco era in the mid-seventies. Dubbed the "Queen of Disco", her talents were such as to not be defined by the genre. She dominated all charts in the late seventies and early 80s, racking up 14 Top 10 singles between 1975 and 1989 on the Hot 100 including four that reached #1. Her music contained elements of rock, electronic, and R&B as well as dance and disco. Her life was cut short, passing away from lung cancer in 2012 at the age of 63. She was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, and earned 5 Grammy awards during her illustrious career. Her first Grammy was this dance anthem from "Thank God It's Friday". It peaked at #3 on the Hot 100 and was one of twelve #1 singles on the dance charts. Last Dance - Donna SummerProduced by Giorgio Moroder, this electronic beat driven song stood out among the lush orchestra backed tunes of the era and would peak at #6 in 1977. I Feel Love - Donna Summer
December 31: ...Andy Summers. IMO Andy's guitar work and Stewart Copeland's drumming were as important to the music of the Police as Sting's vocals and songwriting. Although best known as a member of the Police, he has released several solo albums and toured extensively on his own. He has also composed film scores and published several books. We close out the year honoring Andy with this early Police non-charting single in the US. It was re-released in the UK and peaked at #2. Can't Stand Losing You - PoliceAndy composed this Grammy award winning instrumental from "Zenyatta Mondatta". Behind My Camel - Police
PS: The Winter brothers got it right. Edgar (December 28) and the late Johnny (February 23) were indeed born in the winter season. However for those living south of the equator, the opposite holds true.
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Post by 1finemrg on Jan 1, 2017 1:49:14 GMT -5
January 1: ... Diane Warren Beginning with Laura Branigan's "Solitare" a #7 hit in 1983, Diane Warren has written or co-written 32 Top 10 hits on the Billboard chart. Nine of them have peaked at #1. She is the first songwriter to have seven hits all by different artists on the Hot 100 at the same time. Diane has won a Grammy, Emmy, and Golden Globe, and written for and with everyone from Cher and Celine Dion to Meat Loaf and Alice Cooper. Saluting this songstress with two of her compositions that are among the most successful in Billboard's Hot 100 history. How Do I Live - LeAnn RimesUn-break My Heart - Toni BraxtonJanuary 1: Morgan Fisher. He joined Mott The Hoople in 1973. After the band's breakup in the mid-70s, he would participate in Queen's 1982 tour. In the years since, he has done commercial music songwriting, and turned his talents toward photography. The 1973 album "Mott" featured this FM staple. All The Way From Memphis - Mott The Hoople
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Post by 1finemrg on Jan 2, 2017 0:15:36 GMT -5
January 2: ... Roger Miller. Though better known in country circles, Roger was quite popular on the Hot 100 at a time when the British Invasion dominated the charts. He scored 12 Top 40 singles, five of which reached the Top 10. Like Ray Stevens he was well known for his novelty songs, but also wrote pop classics as well. He was the first to cover Kris Kristofferson's "Me And Bobby McGee", scoring a #12 country hit in 1969 (bubbling under - Hot 100). He is an eleven time Grammy award winner and these two Top 10 hits are recordings in the Grammy Hall of Fame. This one he claimed to have written in 4 minutes. This novelty number was his first hit on the Hot 100, peaking at #7 in 1964. Dang Me - Roger MillerRoger's signature song won a Grammy for best contemporary song in 1965. It was his highest charting hit on the Hot 100, peaking at #4. King Of The Road - Roger MillerJanuary 2: ...Dawn Silva. Dawn began as a background vocalist for Sly and the Family Stone. In the mid-70s, she joined P-Funk (Parliament/Funkadelic), and was the only member of the Brides of Funkenstein (P-Funk affiliated female vocal group) to span their entire career.
January 2: ...Glenn Goins. Like Dawn, Glenn was born January 2, 1954. Like Dawn he also was a member of P-Funk, providing guitar and vocals. He left the band over management issues in late 1977. Unfortunately, he passed away the following year, a victim of Hodgkin's lymphoma.
They both appeared on Parliament's double platinum album "Funkentelechy Vs. the Placebo Syndrome" and this #16 Hot 100, #1 R&B single release. Flashlight - Parliament
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Post by 1finemrg on Jan 3, 2017 0:30:28 GMT -5
January 3: ... John Richard Baldwin. John's mother and father were in the music business. His father, Joe was an arranger for big bands and played piano in the 40s and 50s. His mother also work the music business and the pair would often tour as a vaudeville comedy act. In the 60s, John worked for Decca Records as a session man playing multiple instruments and arranging for hundreds of songs between 1963 and 1968. He arranged strings on the Rolling Stones "She's A Rainbow", and worked with Donovan on several of his hits including "Sunshine Superman". At the suggestion of Andrew Loog Oldham, then manager and producer of the Rolling Stones, John changed his stage name to John Paul Jones. He would often cross paths with fellow session man and Yardbirds member Jimmy Page. After the Yardbirds' demise, John offered his services to Jimmy which was quickly accepted. They added Robert Plant and John Bonham and the quartet would eventually become the powerhouse that was Led Zeppelin. Some of his post Led Zeppelin work included working with Heart in 1995 on a live acoustic album called "The Road Home" and touring and releasing an album with Dave Grohl and Josh Homme as the supergroup Them Crooked Vultures in 2009. Featuring John on bass on this classic Zep track. Ramble On - Led ZeppelinOne of my favorites from "Houses Of The Holy", John plays a Mellotron on this great track. The Rain Song - Led ZeppelinJanuary 3: ...Stephen Stills. Hmmm...let's see...Buffalo Springfield...Bloomfield/Stills/Kooper Super Session...Crosby, Stills, and Nash (and Young)... solo work... Manassas... Stills-Young Band...The Rides. Is that enough of a resume? How about playing guitar on Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine" or his percussion work on the Bee Gees' "You Should Be Dancing"? How about being the only one to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice on the same night? (Crosby, Stills and Nash, Buffalo Springfield) He auditioned for the Monkees because he wanted to sell his songs. When told that the songwriting was already covered, he recommended Peter Tork for the group. Songwriting: Buffalo Springfield - "Bluebird", "For What It's Worth", "Questions" and this great FM staple. Rock And Roll Woman - Buffalo SpringfieldCrosby, Stills, and Nash (and Young) - "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes", "Carry On" (derived from Buffalo Springfield's "Questions"), "Dark Star". He also re-wrote a song "Seven League Boots" by Rick and Michael Curtis into this Crosby, Stills and Nash classic. Southern Cross - Crosby, Stills and NashSolo: "Love The One You're With", "Marianne", "Change Partners" and this great Top 40 hit. A rock and roll who's who is backing Stephen: Rita Coolidge, Graham Nash, David Crosby, John Sebastian and Cass Elliott. Sit Yourself Down - Stephen Stills
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Post by 1finemrg on Jan 4, 2017 0:12:53 GMT -5
January 4: ... Arthur Conley. With Otis Redding, Arthur rewrote the Sam Cooke song "Yeah Man" into a #2 hit on the Hot 100 in 1967. It also peaked at #2 on the R&B charts. Sweet Soul Music - Arthur ConleyThe follow up proved to be his other Top 40 hit, peaking at #14 and reaching #5 on the R&B charts. Funky Street - Arthur Conley
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Post by 1finemrg on Jan 5, 2017 0:58:16 GMT -5
January 5: ... Sam Phillips. The founder of Sun Records was responsible for launching the careers of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins. 'Nuff said. An early one from Elvis... That's All Right - Elvis Presley... and a favorite of John Lennon's. Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On - Jerry Lee LewisJanuary 5: ...Chris Stein. The co-founder/guitarist of Blondie is till an active member of the band. He is also an accomplished photographer having released "Negative: Me, Blondie & The Advent of Punk" in 2014. It's a photographic journey through the New York punk scene of the 70s and 80s. He co-wrote their first #1 with Debbie Harry... Heart Of Glass - Blondie...and wrote the follow-up that topped the UK charts for three weeks and was the #8 single of 1979. It was not released as a single in the US. Sunday Girl - Blondie
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Post by 1finemrg on Jan 6, 2017 5:57:42 GMT -5
January 6: ... Kim Wilson. Founding member of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Kim is the only original member, still performing as front man and harmonica player. He wrote the band's only Top 40 hit. Produced by Dave Edmunds, it peaked at #10 in 1986 and was featured in the movies "Gung Ho" and "Tough Guys". Tuff Enuff - Fabulous ThunderbirdsThey followed it up with one of the better cover tunes, a lost 80s classic covering a Sam & Dave "B" side. Wrap It Up - Fabulous Thunderbirds
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Post by 1finemrg on Jan 7, 2017 6:55:57 GMT -5
January 7: ... Paul Revere. Founding member and namesake of Paul Revere & the Raiders, the band grew from a regional instrumental group in the early 60s to a garage rock staple who were mainstays on the Top 40 during the latter half of the decade into the early 70s. The instrumental group reached #39 with "Like, Long Hair" in 1961. With Mark Lindsay assuming lead vocals, the band charted an additional 14 Top 40 hits between 1965 and 1971. Five reached the Top 10, and their version of John Loudermilk's "Indian Reservation" was their lone #1 single. Through it all, Paul Revere was the steadying force, pounding the keyboards and taking fans everywhere on an entertaining and legendary rock and roll ride. He rode off to rock and roll heaven on October 4, 2014 at the age of 76. Their first Hot 100 single during their garage rock era success inexplicably stalled at #46. It would become a fan favorite through the years. Steppin' Out - Paul Revere & the RaidersAfter just missing the Top 10 with "Just Like Me", the band broke through with a classic that peaked at #4. Penned by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, it served as a cautionary tale written to Carole King's then-husband Gerry Goffin. Kicks - Paul Revere & the RaidersJanuary 7: ...Kenny Loggins. Loggins and Messina was a lucky accident that kept listeners entertained through six studio and 1 double live albums covering the first half of the seventies. Besides their Top 10 smash "Your Mama Don't Dance" (Poison's cover also went Top 10), they gave us classics like "House At Pooh Corner", "Danny's Song", and Love Song. The latter two were Top 20 hits for Anne Murray. After the duo broke up, Kenny charted regularly in the Top 40 between 1978 and 1988. He racked up 14 Top 40 singles, five of which reached the Top 10. During the 80s, he earned the title of "King of the Movie Soundtrack". His popularity in this genre peaked with the #1 title theme from the movie "Footloose". He shares writing credits and vocals with Jim Messina on this L&M FM staple. Angry Eyes - Loggins and MessinaAlways liked the Kenny Loggins "Alive" album. Here's the live version of a pair of Top 40 studio hits from that album. I'm Alright - Kenny LogginsKeep The Fire - Kenny Loggins
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Post by 1finemrg on Jan 7, 2017 23:32:20 GMT -5
January 8: ... David Bowie. David would have been 70. Unfortunately, the gifted singer and actor left us two days after his 69th birthday last year. Whether it was Ziggy Stardust or The Thin White Duke, the rock and roll chameleon was comfortable with whatever persona he assumed. Similarly, his exploration into music knew no boundaries. Funk, soul, pop, metal, electronica, rock ... Bowie's been there, done that. He moved through music genres and identities with aplomb, creating an edge that could be unsettling to the fan or casual listener. He caught your attention, and made you think about and appreciate his contributions to the art of rock and roll. Remembering David with this lost classic from the 70s... Changes - David Bowie...and this 80s rocker that features session guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan. Modern Love - David BowieJanuary 8: ... - Title track to his 1967 movie that also featured the recently departed Pat Harrington. Easy Come, Easy Go - A great "B" side to the #4 hit "(Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame". It was nearly as successful, peaking at #5. Little Sister- Hard to believe this one only peaked at #29 in 1964. British Invasion perhaps? Viva Las Vegas- His emotional response to the deaths of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy. From the pen of Walter Earl Brown, it peaked at #12. If I Can Dream-His last #1 single Suspicious Minds
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Post by trekkielo on Jan 8, 2017 16:53:54 GMT -5
January 2: ... Roger Miller. Though better known in country circles, Roger was quite popular on the Hot 100 at a time when the British Invasion dominated the charts. He scored 12 Top 40 singles, five of which reached the Top 10. Like Ray Stevens he was well known for his novelty songs, but also wrote pop classics as well. He was the first to cover Kris Kristofferson's "Me And Bobby McGee", scoring a #12 country hit in 1969 (bubbling under - Hot 100). He is an eleven time Grammy award winner and these two Top 10 hits are recordings in the Grammy Hall of Fame. This one he claimed to have written in 4 minutes. This novelty number was his first hit on the Hot 100, peaking at #7 in 1964. Dang Me - Roger MillerRoger's signature song won a Grammy for best contemporary song in 1965. It was his highest charting hit on the Hot 100, peaking at #4. King Of The Road - Roger MillerRoger Miller passed away on October 25th, 1992, at 56 years old, he provided the voice of Speiltoe, the equine narrator of the Rankin/Bass holiday special Nestor the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey in 1977.
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Post by 1finemrg on Jan 9, 2017 5:48:34 GMT -5
January 9: ... Steve Harwell. The lead vocalist for Smash Mouth along with bassist Paul De Lisle are the two remaining members still flying the band's flag, currently performing various gigs in celebration of the 20th anniversary of their debut album "Fush Yu Mang". From the album comes their first charted single. It reached #2 on radio airplay in 1997. Walkin' On The Sun - Smash MouthOriginally recorded by the Four Seasons and Toys in the 60s, it became a lost 60s classic courtesy of ? and the Mysterians. Smash Mouth's cover became a Top 40 Radio Airplay hit in 1998. Can't Get Enough Of You Baby - Smash MouthJanuary 9: ...Jimmy Page. The Led Zeppelin guitar god began as a very in demand session musician. The Yardbirds and Led Zeppelin followed, both of which earned him induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. After John Bonham's passing and the subsequent retirement of Led Zeppelin came The Firm, The Honeydrippers, Coverdale/Page, Plant/Page's 1998 album "Walking To Clarksdale", and 2000 tour with the Black Crowes. There was the notable Led Zeppelin 2007 reunion concert known as "Celebration Day" with John Bonham's son Jason on drums as well. More recently he has been involved in the remastering of the Led Zeppelin albums, and is talking of a retrospective tour during 2016. Touching on some of the phases of his career... ...as a session guitarist... With A Little Help From My Friends - Joe Cocker...as a Yardbirds member on bass guitar with Jeff Beck on lead... Happenings Ten Years Times Ago - Yardbirds...with the mighty Zep... Stairway To Heaven - Led Zeppelin...The Honeydrippers... Rockin' At Midnight - The Honeydrippers...and The Firm. All The King's Horses - The Firm
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Post by 1finemrg on Jan 10, 2017 6:25:51 GMT -5
January 10: ... Jim Croce. Jim was on tour supporting his "Life And Times" album when a plane crash ended his life at the age of 30 on September 20, 1973. He was homesick and had intended to take a break from the music business, writing short stories and movie scripts. The family (wife Ingrid and infant son A.J.) had relocated to San Diego and Jim had just finished recorded his next album the week before. The title track which had been used as the theme to the movie "The Last American Hero" was released as scheduled the day after his passing, and the album was released December 1. Produced by Terry Cashman and Tommy West (American City Suite), both the album and single made the Top 10, with the album peaking at #2. Although he would had several additional hits posthumously including the #1 single "Time In A Bottle", I always wondered what could have been. Would he have permanently retired from the music business after the tour, or take a break and come back to delight and amuse the listener with more heartfelt and entertaining tales from his "Life And Times"? Written by Norman Gimble and Charles Fox and wonderfully sung by Jim, the single would peak at #10. I Got A Name - Jim CroceHis other #1 single was famously covered by Frank Sinatra. Bad, Bad Leroy Brown - Jim CroceJanuary 10: ...Rod Stewart. Always preferred Mercury Rod over the Warner Brothers version. In celebration of his birthday, we'll take one from the Warner Brothers catalog but not solo. The hit from Faces "A Nod Is As Good As A Wink...to a Blind Horse" album peaked at #17 in 1971. Written by Rod and member Ron Wood before Ron began a 40+ year tenure with the Rolling Stones. Stay With Me - FacesThe following year Rod's solo album "Never A Dull Moment" was released and "You Wear It Well" was the hit single. The "B" side of the 45 has grown to be probably my favorite from Rod the Mod. It was another Rod/Ronnie collaboration. True Blue - Rod Stewart
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Post by 1finemrg on Jan 11, 2017 6:16:21 GMT -5
January 11: ... Vicki Peterson. Founding member and lead guitarist of the Bangles, Vicki and her band mates recently completed a series of concerts at the Whisky A Go-Go. She also performs with her sister-in-law Susan Cowsill as the Psycho Sisters, having been married to John Cowsill since 2003. Her guitar work adds a haunting tone to this #2 hit. Featured in the movie "Less Than Zero", it's a great remake of a Simon & Garfunkel mid-60s top 20 single. Hazy Shade Of Winter - BanglesWritten by Kimberley Rew (Katrina and the Waves), this non-charter helped to put the band on the map. Video features a certain character not of this world. Going Down To Liverpool - Bangles
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Post by 1finemrg on Jan 12, 2017 6:45:41 GMT -5
January 12: ... George Duke. George broke new ground with his keyboard wizardry in jazz, releasing over 30 albums of solo material. He also collaborated with Frank Zappa, adding his touch to the majority of his 1970s output. George was an in-demand sideman working with Michael Jackson on his "Off The Wall" release. Other noted appearances were with Jean-Luc Ponty, Phil Collins, Teena Marie, Deniece Williams and Regina Belle. His music has been sampled in hip-hop, electronica, and house music by artists ranging from Kanye West to Daft Punk and Ice Cube. George was inducted into the Soul Music Hall of Fame in 2012, shortly before his passing in August the following year. He made three Hot 100 appearances, the most notable being this Top 20 hit in 1981. Sweet Baby - Stanley Clarke & George DukeHe was on piano for this #15 hit from the same year. We're In This Love Together - Al JarreauJanuary 12: ...Cynthia Robinson. She was the first female trumpet player to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Sly and the Family Stone. She continued to work with Sly after the band dissolved in the mid-70s, and also worked with band mate Larry Graham in his group Graham Central Station. In the mid-2000 she toured with the Family Stone band. She passed away on November 23, 2015 after a bout with cancer. She begins the band's first hit, inviting everyone to join in... Dance To The Music - Sly and the Family Stone...and the brass section introduces this fantastic "B" side. Everybody Is A Star - Sly and the Family Stone
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Post by 1finemrg on Jan 13, 2017 5:53:01 GMT -5
January 13 ... Suggs. Suggs (Graham McPherson) has been the lead vocalist for Madness since the late 1970s. With the exception of a six year hiatus from late 1986 until 1992, the band has continued to record and perform. Their latest effort "Can't Touch Us Now" was released in the fall of 2016, and an Asian/UK tour is planned beginning in the spring. Although the group only charted 2 Top 40 singles on the Hot 100, they and UB40 tied with 214 weeks on the UK singles charts during the 1980s. With the band's split in 1986, Madness achieved this feat over a shorter period of time. They did this on the strength of 15 Top 10 singles (16 Top 10 appearances, "It Must Be Love" reached the Top 10 twice). Between 1979 and 1983, 14 of 15 singles were UK Top 10 hits. Their only miss was "Cardiac Arrest" which peaked at #14. Of these, this 1982 hit was their only UK #1. House Of Fun - MadnessSpeaking of houses, their only US Top 10 hit shares a title with a Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young single. Our House - MadnessJanuary 13: ...Trevor Rabin. Trevor unintentionally joined Yes when they reformed in 1983. Initially called Cinema, they changed to Yes for strategic purposes. Since the other four members were Yes alumni, Trevor found that he had joined a reunited band rather then a new one. He was a major factor behind Yes's most successful commercial album "90125", and was the primary writer of the album's #1 single "Owner Of A Lonely Heart". Trevor left the band in 1994 after four studio albums. He has released several solo albums, but is most noted for composing over forty film scores earning several awards for his efforts. He has also guested on several collaborations including Seal, Paul Rodgers and Michael Jackson. He was also the main writer on this 90125 track... Changes - Yes...and this Top 40 hit from "Big Generator" that topped Modern Rock Tracks for 5 weeks. Love Will Find A Way - Yes
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