|
Post by 1finemrg on Mar 18, 2016 5:13:28 GMT -5
March 18: ...John Hartman John was the original drummer for the Doobie Brothers, and the only one at the band's inception. The group added a second drummer in late 1971 (Michael Hossack, later replaced by Keith Knudsen). The band has had dual drummers ever since. John was on all the albums of the 70s and left after "Minute By Minute". He joined the band a second time when they reunited in the late 80s, but retired after a 1992 benefit concert. He anchors the rhythm section on this great album track from "The Captain And Me"... South City Midnight Lady - Doobie Brothers...and kicks off this top 40 hit from their previous album "Toulouse Street". Jesus Is Just Alright - Doobie BrothersMarch 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
|
|
|
Post by 1finemrg on Mar 18, 2016 22:46:20 GMT -5
March 19: ...Ruth Pointer. She joined younger sisters Anita, Bonnie, and June in the Pointer Sisters in 1972, and continues to perform with sister Anita and granddaughter Sadako under the Pointer Sisters moniker. They are scheduled to perform a series of concerts "down under" in late May/early June. Ruth has recently co-authored "Still So Excited!: My Life As A Pointer Sister" with Marshall Terrill. She was the lead vocalist on this Grammy award winning Top 10 smash from early 1984... Automatic - Pointer Sisters...and this one released late 1984 that also peaked in the Top 10 the following year. Recorded in 1983, it was featured on the "Beverly Hills Cop" soundtrack. Neutron Dance - Pointer SistersMarch 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
|
|
|
Post by 1finemrg on Mar 19, 2016 22:34:33 GMT -5
March 20: ...hope springs eternal for Carl Palmer, who celebrates his birthday today. Carl is currently touring as part of the power trio known as Carl Palmer's ELP Legacy. He is also an artist working with a new medium, rhythm on canvas (drumming and painting). He is in process of organizing a memorial concert for fallen band mate Keith Emerson. It is tentatively scheduled for June. His first foray into the Top 40 was as the drummer of this #2 hit from 1968. Fire - Crazy World of Arthur BrownAfter a brief stint in Atomic Rooster, he would become one-third of ELP. Lucky Man - Emerson, Lake and PalmerIn the 80s, he drummed for this supergroup. Sole Survivor - AsiaMarch 20: A happy springtime birthday to Jimmie Vaughan. Jimmie founded the Fabulous Thunderbirds in the mid 70s and the band released several albums of essential blues material. Although the music was critically acclaimed, poor sales caused Chrysalis to drop the act in the early 80s. The band continued touring and eventually signed with Epic. Their first album with the new label found the band turning toward a more commercial sound. The album was successful, and the title track "Tuff Enuff" became the band's only Top 40 hit, peaking at #10. Jimmie left the band in the late 80s to record with his brother Stevie Ray. They recorded one great album "Family Style", which was released shortly after Stevie Ray's death in a helicopter crash at Alpine Valley, WI. It was produced by Dave Edmunds and earned 2 Grammy awards. He's been solo ever since, most recently appearing with the Foo Fighters on "Austin City Limits". He earned 2 additional Grammys, one each in 1996 and 2001. From the "Family Style" album by Jimmie and Stevie Ray. Brothers - Vaughan Brothers
|
|
|
Post by 1finemrg on Mar 21, 2016 5:38:11 GMT -5
March 21: ...Roger Hodgson. Roger was co-founder and lead vocalist for many of Supertramp's best known songs, sharing duties with Rick Davies. He also played guitars and keyboards. He left Supertramp in 1983, returning to England to be close to his family. He has released some solo work since, and is currently in the midst of a European tour that is scheduled to resume in mid-April. He wrote and sang lead on this Top 10 Supertramp hit from "Breakfast In America". Take The Long Way Home - SupertrampHis only solo Hot 100 single is this lost 80s classic that peaked at #48 in 1984. Had A Dream (Sleeping With The Enemy) - Roger HodgsonMarch 21: ...Russell Thompkins Jr. Russell's beautiful high tenor and falsetto vocals, combined with the production work of Thom Bell launched a string of Top 10 hits for the Stylistics. In 1968, the Stylistics formed from the cream of two Philadelphia soul groups, the Percussions and the Monarchs. After a local hit "You're A Big Girl Now" on Sebring records, they were signed by Avco. The label turned over creative control to Thom Bell based on his production work with the Delfonics. Thom saw the potential of Russell's distinctive vocal abilities and built the group centered around his voice. They proceeded to chart 12 consecutive Top 10 R&B hits, including five that crossed over to the Top 10 on the Hot 100. Their highest peaking hit just missed the top. "You Make Me Feel Brand New" spent two weeks at #2. Bell stopped producing the group in 1974. The band would reach the top 40 one more time after his departure with "Let's Put It All Together" reaching #14. Oddly enough, the band ran off a string of eight Top 10 hits in the UK in 1975/1976 after Bell's departure. "I Can't Give You Anything (But My Love)" reached the top of the UK charts. Two different greatest hits compilations also topped the UK album charts. Russell continues to tour today as a member of the New Stylistics. The first time the Stylistics reached the Top 10 on the US Hot 100 was with this #9 ballad. You Are Everything - Stylistics
|
|
|
Post by 1finemrg on Mar 21, 2016 22:32:16 GMT -5
March 22: ... Susan Ann Sulley, vocalist for the Human League. Philip Oakey was running out of time. Having lost members Marilyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh (who would go on to form Heaven 17) in an acrimonious split, he needed replacements. Although he retained the band's name, he was also responsible for honoring commitments to Virgin Records including an European tour. He spotted then 17 year old Susan and her friend Joann Catherall dancing at the Crazy Daisy nightclub in Sheffield. Their look was perfect and after convincing their parents, they joined Philip for the tour and became full time members upon its completion. The next year they recorded the album "Dare" at the time MTV was launched. It was successful and Virgin released an elaborate video for the single "Don't You Want Me". The video's popularity provided the commercial breakthrough for the Human League and would top both the UK and US charts. Nearly 5 years later, they would top the Hot 100 a second time with "Human". In the UK, they would reach the Top 10 eight times. Susan continues to tour full-time with the Human League and also acts as the media officer organizing interviews, press releases, and media events. The group is planning a Europe/UK tour at the end of 2016. Released in 1983 on their EP "Fascination!", this song topped the dance charts and peaked at #8 on the Hot 100. (Keep Feeling) Fascination - Human LeagueSusan sings lead on this #13 UK only single release that debuted 21 years ago this week. One Man In My Heart - Human LeagueMarch 22: ...ten time Grammy award winner, George Benson. He began recording at the age of ten with a one-off single as Little Georgie "She Makes Me Mad". During his teens, he began his career as a jazz guitar prodigy working with jazz organist Jack McDuff. In the sixties, he released a series of jazz albums and also began working with some of the legends in the music genre such as Miles Davis. He continued that success into the early seventies, releasing several albums that cracked the Top 10 on the jazz charts. His "Bad Benson" topped the jazz charts in 1974, while the follow-up "Good King Bad" peaked at #51 on the pop album charts. A label change to Warner Brothers brought George to mainstream success, launching a second career as a vocalist. His first release for Warner "Breezin'" topped the pop album charts and earned Grammys for Record of the Year and Pop Instrumental in 1977. He also won a Grammy for R&B Instrumental with "Theme From Good King Bad" from his previous album. He appeared on Stevie Wonder's "Songs In The Key Of Life" playing guitar and singing backup on "Another Star". He also had a Top 40 hit with the original version of "The Greatest Love Of All" from the Muhammad Ali biography movie. In 1979, his live version of "On Broadway" won a Grammy for R&B Vocal. His 1981 album "Give Me The Night" garnered three Grammys in Jazz and R&B. After another Top 10 single with "Turn Your Love Around", George steered his career back toward jazz instrumentally and his roots (Nat King Cole, Ray Charles) vocally. His most recent release was a 2013 tribute to Nat King Cole. His 1977 Record of the Year Grammy was earned with this 1976 Top 10 cover of a Leon Russell song. This Masquerade - George Benson
|
|
|
Post by 1finemrg on Mar 22, 2016 22:21:35 GMT -5
March 23: ...Chaka Khan. The 10 time Grammy award winner began with Rufus, and had parallel careers with the band and solo for several years in the late seventies and early 80s. She has worked with Prince, Quincy Jones, and has done backup vocals for many artists. She is scheduled to tour Hawaii and Japan in May. Her first solo single would peak at #21. Written by Ashford and Simpson, Whitney Houston would have a Top 5 hit with her version which was included on "The Bodyguard' soundtrack. I'm Every Woman - Chaka KhanIn 1980, this single would bubble under and peak at #102. Speaking of Whitney Houston, she and her mother Cissy back Chaka on another Ashford/Simpson composition. Clouds - Chaka KhanA few of my favorites that were spiced up by the vocal prowess of Chaka Khan. Save It For A Rainy Day - Stephen BishopTake Me Back To Chicago - Chicagoand of course this #1 hit. Higher Love - Steve WinwoodMarch 23: ...Ric Ocasek, guitarist, songwriter, and one of the lead vocalists for the Cars. Ric was a founding member of Cap'n Swing which was eventually renamed the Cars. They were signed to Elektra records shortly after a local Boston DJ began playing a demo copy of what would be come their first Top 40 hit "Just What I Needed". Their 1978 debut album merging rock and new wave was a commercial success making the top 20 and spawning two Top 40 singles. Their next four albums between late 1978 and 1984 all went top ten. They had 13 Top 40 singles led by the #3 "Drive" and #4 "Shake It Up". "You Might Think" and "Tonight She Comes" also made the Top 10. Three of their singles just missed the Top 40, peaking at #41 ("Good Times Roll", "It's All I Can Do", and "Since You're Gone"). Most recently, the Cars reunited and toured in 2011 (sans Benjamin Orr who passed away in 2000) and released a Top 10 album "Move Like This". As a solo artist, Ric made the Top 40 once peaking at #15 and topping the Mainstream Rock charts. Emotions In Motion - Ric Ocasek
|
|
|
Post by 1finemrg on Mar 23, 2016 22:25:36 GMT -5
March 24: ...Nick Lowe. After a stint with Kippington Lodge which became Brinsley Schwartz, Nick joined Dave Edmunds in Rockpile as bassist. Although Rockpile officially only released one album, releases at that time credited to Nick Lowe and Dave Edmunds were actually Rockpile recordings. Since Nick and Dave had different management, whoever sung lead received credit as a solo artist. In other words, "Cruel To Be Kind" was Rockpile with Nick singing lead, and Dave Edmunds' cover of "Girls Talk" was Rockpile with Dave singing lead. "Cruel To Be Kind" was Nick's only Top 40 hit in the US. It was written with Ian Gomm (Hold On). In the UK, Nick reached the Top 10 in 1978 with "I Love The Sound Of Breaking Glass". He also co-wrote "Milk And Alcohol", a Top 10 UK hit for Dr. Feelgood early in 1979. He wrote and originally recorded "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding" famously covered by Elvis Costello. Nick was married to Johnny Cash's daughter Carlene Carter for 11 years. He remained close to the family after the couple divorced, playing and recording with Johnny and doing some production work. He continues to perform occasionally, most recently a 12 date US holiday tour in December 2015 opening for Los Straightjackets. He released the first single in the legendary Stiff Records label catalog. It bubbled under briefly in 1978. So It Goes - Nick LoweDave Edmunds first recorded this Nick Lowe tune in the late 70s, but Nick gave it a second life with his 1985 version produced by Huey Lewis. Huey plays harmonica and The News backs him along with Cowboy Outfit member Paul Carrack. His last Hot 100 hit would peak at #77 in late 1985/early 1986. I Knew The Bride (When She Used To Rock And Roll) - Nick Lowe And His Cowboy OutfitMarch 24: ...the master of the harmonica, Lee Oskar. Born in Denmark, he immigrated to the US at 18. He eventually settled in Los Angeles and began playing in night clubs. He eventually joined with a group of musicians that included saxophonist Charles Miller. After a stint backing NFL legend Deacon Jones, they joined up with Eric Burdon who liked the unique sound of Lee's harmonica combined with the sound of Charles Miller's saxophone. Eric Burdon left the band in the middle of an European tour. The band finished the tour and War then struck out on its own. Including the Eric Burdon & War #3 single "Spill The Wine", War charted 12 Top 40 hits seven of which reached the Top 10. Their highest charting single "Cisco Kid" peaked at #2. They did top the album charts with "The World Is A Ghetto". Lee released three critically acclaimed solo albums between 1976 and 1981 and in 1976 was voted instrumentalist of the year in Billboard, Cashbox, and Record World. In the early 80s, he founded his own harmonica company which is still going strong to this day. He is also an accomplished painter. Lee has recently toured with other ex-War members as the LowRider Band. War has been nominated several times for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame including the last two years. We honor this man of many talents with this great War classic. It reached #8 in 1973. Gypsy Man - War
|
|
|
Post by 1finemrg on Mar 24, 2016 23:04:27 GMT -5
March 25: ...amazing that Captain Fantastic and the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin share the same birthday. Thankfully, Aretha left Columbia Records in 1966. She reached the Hot 100 twelve times with Columbia, the largest being a #37 remake of "Rock-a-Bye Your Baby with a Dixie Melody", a #1 hit for Al Jolson and a Top 10 hit for Jerry Lewis in 1956 (not Jerry Lee Lewis, but the long-time national chairman of the Muscular Dystrophy Association). Atlantic Records signed her in 1966 and knew what to do. They tapped into her powerful soulful, gospel persona. Her first 8 singles were Top 10 smashes, highlighted by Otis Redding's "Respect" which she took to #1 and made her own. The last of the group was a two-sided smash where both sides peaked in the Top 10 (The House That Jack Built / I Say A Little Prayer). She would hit the Top ten another 5 times in the 70s. She took what could be considered Simon and Garfunkel's signature song "Bridge Over Troubled Water", and turned it into a Grammy award winner and a Top 10 smash for herself. Another surge of popularity came in the mid-80s, racking up three more Top 10 singles including the #1 duet with George Michael "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)". She still amazes today, most recently at the Kennedy Center Honors paying tribute to Carole King. From the 60s, this is the one that truly kicked off her career as the Queen Of Soul. It peaked at #9 in the spring of 1967. I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You) - Aretha FranklinFrom the 70s, she penned this classic that peaked at #5 in 1972. Day Dreaming - Aretha FranklinThe 80s bought her back into the limelight with this #3 single and memorable video. Freeway Of Love - Aretha FranklinMarch 25: ...very hard choice since 2 of the most accomplished artists in rock and roll history share the same birthday. They were also linked together in an American Top 40 episode from December 18, 1970. We'll go with Captain Fantastic himself, Elton John. He was born Reginald Dwight and took his stage name from two members of Bluesology, Elton Dean and Long John Baldry. He paired up with lyricist Bernie Taupin and began composing songs. Their first 2 singles released on Congress did not chart, and the record label folded. Uni picked up the second single "Border Song" and re-released it (first single was "Lady Samantha", which was covered by Three Dog Night on their "Suitable For Framing" album). It became his first Hot 100 single peaking at #92. Three months later "Your Song" was released. It debuted in the Top 40 at #38 on the 12/18/70 survey. One notch higher was the debut of a version of his first charting single "Border Song" by the legendary artist with whom he shares a birthday. "Your Song" would be his first Top 10 peaking at #8. His first of 8 credited #1 singles in the US was "Crocodile Rock". Neil Sedaka's "Bad Blood" and John Lennon's "Whatever Gets You Through The Night" also reached #1 with an uncredited vocal by Elton, as did "That's What Friends Are For" (Dionne & Friends) and the George Michal/Elton John live version of "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me". In the UK, Elton's first #1 single did not occur until 1990 with the double "A" side "Sacrifice/Healing Hands". His "Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy" was the first album to debut at #1 on the US charts. His next album "Rock Of The Westies" repeated that feat. He is one of the Top 5 artists of the rock and roll era. His follow up to "Your Song" is a great tune that's the title track to a terrible movie. Peaked at #34 in 1971. Friends - Elton John
|
|
|
Post by 1finemrg on Mar 25, 2016 22:33:58 GMT -5
March 26: ...Joe Perry's "Toxic Twin", the "Demon Of Screamin'"... Steven Tyler. Aerosmith started as America's answer to the Rolling Stones during the seventies before drugs and alcohol took their toll. The members cleaned up their act and their career was rejuvenated in the mid-80s. The band's popularity has not waned since. We'll go with one from the first part of their career... Sweet Emotion - Aerosmith...and they won a Grammy for this #17 hit from 1994 whose famous (and somewhat creepy) video features Steven's daughter Liv and Alicia Silverstone. Crazy - AerosmithMarch 26: ...Richard Tandy, keyboard wizard for the Electric Light Orchestra. Joining ELO for their second album, he began his tenure on bass. Switching to keyboards (Moog, clavinet, piano, synthesizer...) when Roy Wood left to form Wizzard, he's been Jeff Lynne's collaborator in all versions of the band to the present. From their second album, they turned a Chuck Berry classic on its ear and charted in the Hot 100 for the first time. It peaked at #42 at the beginning of 1973. Personally, it's #1 all time on my list of favorite cover tunes. Roll Over Beethoven - Electric Light Orchestra
|
|
|
Post by 1finemrg on Mar 27, 2016 5:35:45 GMT -5
March 27: ...Mariah Carey. She began her musical journey writing songs with Gavin Christopher. She completed a demo tape during the latter half of the eighties, but was unsuccessful in her attempts to get it heard by music labels. She was introduced to Brenda K. Starr, and they struck a friendship. Accompanying Starr to a record executives gala, she handed her demo to the head of Columbia Records (and future first husband), Tommy Mattola. On the way home, he listened to the tape. After two songs, he returned to the event only to find she had left. It took two weeks, but he finally located her and she was signed to his label. . The plan was to market Mariah as their main female pop artist. She would be the label's answer to Madonna or Whitney Houston. Her eponymous debut album was heavily promoted, and received a boost from her memorable performance at the Grammy Awards. The album topped the charts for 11 weeks, and she became the first artist to begin her career with 4 consecutive #1 singles since the Jackson Five. Her career has been one of enormous successes and some disappointments. Her eighteen #1 singles stand second to the Beatles in Billboard chart history, and she holds the record for the most weeks at #1 on the singles chart with 79. Her three #1 debuts on the Hot 100 are most in chart history. Her "One Sweet Day" duet with Boys II Men spent 16 weeks atop the Hot 100, the most of any single. As of late 2015, she ranks #5 on the list of all time artists on the Hot 100. She is the #2 female behind Madonna. On a sad note, she was scheduled to perform in Brussels, Belgium today. On Friday, she cancelled the concert due to safety concerns resulting from the recent terrorist attacks. Her European tour will continue with concerts in Norway and Denmark. This is the one that started it all. Vision Of Love - Mariah CareyThis 2005 single was voted the #1 song of the decade by Billboard. We Belong Together - Mariah CareyTrivia - Her first husband Tommy Mattola was name-called in the 1976 Top 40 hit "Whispering/Cherchez La Femme/Se Si Bon" by Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band. March 27: ...sticking with keyboards, wishing a happy birthday to Tony Banks. Along with Mike Rutherford, Tony has been in Genesis from its formation through their last tour in 2007. Outside of Genesis, he has composed several scores to movies such as "Quicksilver" and music to soundtracks like "The Fugitive". He has also released a pair of classical albums through the years. Released between their first 2 US Top 40 singles "Follow You, Follow Me" and "Misunderstanding", how this one only peaked at #58 I'll never know. Tony co-wrote it with Phil Collins and Mike Rutherford, and it was the name of their 2007 tour. Turn It On Again - Genesis Bonus: It is also the birthday of Patty Smith Hill. She never made any music charts in terms of popularity, mainly because if she were alive today this would be her 147th birthday. However she did co-write with her sister Mildred the most recognizable song in the English language. www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MpMOWldf1c
|
|
|
Post by 1finemrg on Mar 28, 2016 4:56:12 GMT -5
March 28: ...Milan Williams. Milan was the keyboardist and founding member of the Commodores. He remained with the band until 1989, allegedly refusing to perform in concert in South Africa due to apartheid issues. His work on clavinet is prevalent on the band's first Top 40 single which he wrote. Machine Gun - CommodoresHe also wrote the Top 20 hit from 1980. Old Fashioned Love - CommodoresMarch 28: ... Continuing our run of keyboardists, John Evan from Jethro Tull. After being a session musician for the "Benefit" album, John joined Jethro Tull for their "Aqualung" album and continued until 1980. The white suit which he wore for performances became his trademark; Ian Anderson would jokingly introduce him as everyone's favorite ice cream man. He went on to form Tallis with fellow Tull band mate David Palmer. He left the music business shortly after, and ran his own construction company for many years. He eventually relocated to Australia, where he currently resides. The only single to be released from "Aqualung", it became their debut on the Hot 100 peaking at #91. Hymn 43 - Jethro Tull
|
|
|
Post by 1finemrg on Mar 28, 2016 22:09:45 GMT -5
March 28: ...Bobby Kimball. He did two tours of duty as front man for Toto. He sang lead on many of their hits in their heyday from 1978 - 1984. He rejoined the band in 1998 for a second stint which ended in 2008. He currently is getting ready for a solo tour of Germany and Austria next month and is planning a solo album in the near future. The band's first single was a beacon of light for those suffering from "disco overload". Hold The Line - TotoAllegedly this song was not written about actress Rosanna Arquette, but Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes" was. Rosanna - TotoMarch 28: ... Continuing our run of keyboardists, John Evan from Jethro Tull. After being a session musician for the "Benefit" album, John joined Jethro Tull for their "Aqualung" album and continued until 1980. The white suit which he wore for performances became his trademark; Ian Anderson would jokingly introduce him as everyone's favorite ice cream man. He went on to form Tallis with fellow Tull band mate David Palmer. He left the music business shortly after, and ran his own construction company for many years. He eventually relocated to Australia, where he currently resides. The only single to be released from "Aqualung", it became their debut on the Hot 100 peaking at #91. Hymn 43 - Jethro Tull
|
|
|
Post by 1finemrg on Mar 30, 2016 6:06:23 GMT -5
March 30: ...Eric Clapton. He's the only one inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times (solo, Yardbirds, Cream), and an 18 time Grammy award winner. His musical journey included stops with the Yardbirds, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith, Delaney and Bonnie and Friends, Derek and the Dominos, and a long and illustrious solo career. He left the Yardbirds shortly after the band recorded their first Top 10 hit, favoring the blues over pop. For Your Love - YardbirdsWith Cream, he recorded this memorable track written with George Harrison. Badge - CreamBlind Faith featured this great track written by Clapton. Presence Of The Lord - Blind FaithOne from Derek and the Dominos only album "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs". Bell Bottom Blues - Derek and the DominosFinally, digging into his solo career with his first Top 40 hit... After Midnight - Eric Clapton...and this memorable track from "Slowhand". The Core - Eric ClaptonMarch 30: ... the only original Moody Blues member still touring with the band, drummer Graeme Edge. He was in the band when they reached the Top 10 in 1965 with a Bessie Banks cover. Future Wings member Denny Laine sang the lead on "Go Now!". It was after Denny left the band that Graeme recruited Justin Heyward and John Lodge and the Moodies moved away from R&B toward writing and recording their own material. He, Justin and John will begin touring shortly focusing on their 80s material this time around (Polydor years). "Seventh Sojourn" was their final album released in 1972 before a five year hiatus. Although it was not their favorite album, it became their first one to top the charts. The hit single was "I'm Just A Singer (In A Rock And Roll Band)", but my favorite track was one Graeme Edge wrote with Justin Hayward. You And Me - Moody Blues
|
|
|
Post by seminolefan on Mar 30, 2016 21:18:51 GMT -5
March 30 - Celine Dion. The French-Canadian songstress, the youngest of 14 kids, achieved success as a teen in Canada and Europe singing in French, including winning the Eurovision contest in 1988 representing Switzerland. In 1990 she released her first English-language album, which produced her first US hit. From there Celine's popularity grew, eventually becoming one of the best-selling female artists in history. In 1994 she married her manager Rene Angelil, who sadly passed away in January. This was her first hit in the US, peaking at #4 in early 1991. Where Does My Heart Beat Now - Celine DionHer signature song is this #1 hit which fueled the Titanic soundtrack to a 16-week stay at #1 on the album chart. My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion
|
|
|
Post by 1finemrg on Mar 31, 2016 5:46:42 GMT -5
March 31: ...the man who put the "A" in A&M Records, Herb Alpert. It's been said that during the mid-sixties, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass outsold the Beatles in terms of album sales. The members of the Tijuana Brass touring group were actually skilled session players. For recordings, it was Herb and the Wrecking Crew. The group won six Grammy awards and fourteen albums went platinum. The A&M roster of stars included the Carpenters, Police, Janet Jackson, Styx, and Cat Stevens among many others. Herb has the distinction of being the only artist to Top the Hot 100 with a vocal (This Guy's In Love With You), and instrumental single release. Billy Preston was the closest to joining Herb in this category, charting two #1 vocally (Will It Go Round In Circles, Nothing From Nothing), but only reaching #2 with the instrumental "Outa Space". Billy's solo Top 40 releases were on A&M Records as well. Herb is also an accomplished painter and sculptor. More recently, he won a Grammy in 2014 for his album "Steppin' Out". From 1965, this was his second Top 10 hit. A Taste Of Honey - Herb Alpert and the Tijuana BrassFrom the 70s, this was the instrumental that topped the Hot 100. Rise - Herb AlpertHe continued his Top 10 ways for a third decade, with this "nasty" little number that topped the R&B charts. Diamonds - Herb Alpert (featuring Janet Jackson and Lisa Keith)March 31: ...AC/DC guitarist Angus Young. He's a lad with the heart of a school boy, a stage presence derived from Chuck Berry, and guitar work that starts loud and goes from there. He was born in Scotland and his family emigrated to Australia when he was 8. His older brother George was the first to make his mark in rock and roll as rhythm guitarist with the Easybeats (Friday On My Mind). He would go on to co-produce a number of AC/DC albums, mostly during the Bon Scott years. Angus and his brother Malcolm followed George into the business forming AC/DC. Unfortunately, Malcolm has health issues but Angus will be on the road this summer in his trade mark schoolboy uniform. Their first Top 40 hit made it to #35 in 1980. You Shook Me All Night Long - AC/DC Bonus: Today is birthday #330 for Johann Sebastian Bach. Interestingly, during his lifetime he was more widely respected as an organist rather than a composer. A revival in the early 1800s shined a candle on his composing skills, and he now ranks among the greatest of all time. A hauntingly beautiful song derived from Bach's "Air on the G String" sat at the top of the UK charts for 6 weeks in 1967. It was a million seller in the US, where it peaked at #5. A Whiter Shade Of Pale - Procul Harum
|
|