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Post by 1finemrg on Apr 26, 2016 5:55:41 GMT -5
April 26: ...Gary Wright. Born in New Jersey, Gary was a child actor. At 7, he made his TV debut on "Captain Video and His Video Rangers". He appeared in radio and TV commercials, and acted on Broadway in the musical "Fanny" playing her son Cesario. Florence Henderson played the role of Fanny. He was in various rock bands during high school and recorded a one-off single "Working After School" as the duo Gary and Billy (Markle) in 1960. He attended William and Mary and New York University studying to become a doctor while continuing to perform. In 1966, he attended college in West Germany to complete his psychology studies. The following year he abandoned his studies and toured in Europe with his band the New York Times. They opened for Traffic in Norway, where he met Island Records founder Chris Blackwell. He invited Gary to move to England and join the band Art. Art would eventually be renamed Spooky Tooth. His tenure with Spooky Tooth would last until 1970 when he went solo. His solo debut "Extraction" included contributions from bassist Klaus Voormann. Through this connection, he met George Harrison and played piano on the legendary "All Things Must Pass" recordings. His friendship with George would continue until his passing in 2001. He also played on several Apple label recordings including Ringo Starr's "It Don't Come Easy" and "Back Off Boogaloo". He formed Wonderwheel, then reformed Spooky Tooth in the mid-70s. After a couple of albums they disbanded and Gary returned to the US. He signed with Warner Brothers and had his commercial breakthrough with "The Dream Weaver". He had become a keyboard/synthesizer wizard through the years, and this album was unique because no guitars were used in the recording. The album was a unqualified success peaking at #7 on the Billboard 200 albums and spinning off a pair of #2 singles. He would continue to release albums through the seventies and early 80s and enjoy a third Top 40 hit with "Really Wanna Know You" in 1981. His later recordings ventured into world music and film soundtracks. He re-recorded "Dream Weaver" for "Wayne's World", and rejoined Spooky Tooth for a 2004 reunion. In 2008 he toured as a member of Ringo Starr's All Starr Band, and rejoined them for 2010 and 2011 tours as well. His second #2 single from "The Dream Weaver" album is a personal favorite. Love Is Alive - Gary WrightHe was the piano player that kicked off this #1 single from 1972. Without You - NilssonApril 26: ...Jimmy Hall Jimmy was the lead singer of Wet Willie, who hit the top 10 in 1974 with "Keep On Smilin'". Before breaking up in the late 70s, they would hit the Top 40 two more times with "Street Corner Serenade" (#30) and "Weekend" (#29). He was nominated for a Grammy in 1985, providing lead vocals for Jeff Beck's album "Flash". He would also tour with Hank Williams Jr. He occasionally tours with Wet Willie. The band includes his brother Jack on bass and sister Donna on vocals. Both were also members during the band's heyday. Jimmy went solo in the early eighties and became a one-hit wonder when this one peaked at #27 late in 1980. An overlooked classic that deserved better results back then, and deserves more airplay today. I'm Happy That Love Has Found You - Jimmy Hall
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Post by 1finemrg on Apr 26, 2016 22:35:08 GMT -5
April 27: "As the numbers get smaller, the hits get bigger". ...the king of the countdowns, remembering Casey Kasem on what would have been his 84th birthday. "Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars".
April 27: ...Sheena Easton. Sheena was the focus of the first British musical reality program "The Big Time: Pop Singer". It resulted in her signing a recording contract with EMI Records. When "Morning Train (9 To 5)" hit the top of the Hot 100, she became the third UK female solo artist to do so, following in the footsteps of Petula Clark and Lulu. She earned 2 Grammys and became the only artist to have a Top 5 hit on 5 different charts consecutively (Pop, AC, Country, Dance, and R&B). Seven of her 14 Top 40 singles hit the Top 10. She currently resides in Nevada and recently embarked on a series of concerts featuring guest vocalists accompanied by Bond-style music and symphonies. Sheena recently completed a small Greatest Hits tour in Australia at the end of 2015. She performed in Laughlin and Las Vegas last month and will appear in Atlantic City in July. Then there was her work with Prince. Below is a link to her statement regarding his passing. Sheena Easton - PrinceThat train that her baby took was a long way from its origin when it pulled into Paisley Park. With a little help from His Purpleness as Alexander Nevermind, they ruffled more than a few feathers of conservatives with this Top 10 smash. Sugar Walls - Sheena EastonShe also was co-vocalist (uncredited) with Prince on this #2 hit. U Got The Look - PrinceApril 27: ...Cuba Gooding No, not the Academy Award winning actor. That would be Junior. Cuba Gooding reached the Top 10 twice in the seventies as lead vocalist of Main Ingredient. They reached #3 with "Everybody Plays The Fool" and #10 with "Just Don't Want To Be Lonely". He joined the band in 1971 after the sudden death of Don McPherson from leukemia. He remained with the group until 1977, then had a brief solo career with Motown. Through the years, he has had several reunions with the Main Ingredient. He currently tours as Cuba Gooding and the Main Ingredient in a Sweet Soul of the 70s tour. The tour includes members of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, the Manhattans, and Blue Magic. The Main Ingredient reached the Top 40 a third time, with the cover of a Brian Auger classic. It would peak at #35, and be sampled by several artists through the years. Happiness Is Just Around The Bend - Main Ingredient
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Post by 1finemrg on Apr 28, 2016 5:33:58 GMT -5
April 28: ...John Wolters. John joined Dr. Hook and the Medicine show in 1973 as their drummer until their breakup in the mid-80s. He was on their second wave of Top 10 recordings which were more adult contemporary friendly. Their live shows still retained the "Cover Of the Rolling Stone" feel, very rock and roll oriented and entertaining. Although the band scored six Top 10 hits, they could never quite get over the hump and reach the upper echelon of the Top 10. Four of their hits peaked at #6, and two reached #5. After John joined the band, their name was shortened to Dr. Hook. He set the beat for this #6 hit in 1979. It spent three weeks atop the UK charts. When You're In Love With A Beautiful Woman - Dr. HookThis early 60s cover was a lost 70s classic that peaked at #46 in 1977. Walk Right In - Dr. HookApril 28: ...Johnny Corley, better known as Fantastic Johnny C. Born in Greenwood, SC. he relocated outside Philadelphia after a stint in the Armed Forces. He was discovered by Jesse James while attending the same church and became Johnny's manager. Written by Jesse James, Johnny's first charting single crashed the Top 10, peaking at #7 late in 1967. He did reach the top 40 one more time, peaking at #34 in 1968 with "Hitch It To The Horse". At the same time, another Jesse James discovery (at the same church) Cliff Nobles and Company was climbing the charts "The Horse". It would peak at #2. Both were written by Jesse James. Taking his cue from Wilson Pickett, here's Fantastic Johnny C's top 10 smash. Boogaloo Down Broadway - Fantastic Johnny C
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Post by 1finemrg on Apr 29, 2016 5:57:14 GMT -5
April 29: ...Klaus Voormann. Born in Berlin, Klaus grew up listening to traditional jazz. He also studied commercial art, and became a commercial artist, graphic designer, and illustrator. After an argument with a couple of friends, he wandered in the St. Pauli district of Hamburg and walked in on a performance by Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. They were followed by the Beatles, and the performances by both of the bands left him stunned. This began a lifelong friendship with the Beatles. Klaus moved to London, initially sharing an apartment with George Harrison and Ringo Starr. After returning to Hamburg for a while, he returned to London and was asked by John Lennon to design the cover for the Beatles' "Revolver" album. He was paid 40 pounds, but also earned a Grammy for Best Album Cover, Graphic Arts. He was also an accomplished bass player. He became a member of Manfred Mann, having turned down offers from the Hollies and Moody Blues. Through the years he would become an in-demand session player and album cover designer. Some of his design work can be found on the "Bee Gees 1st" and "Ringo" albums as well as the picture sleeve for George Harrison's "When We Was Fab". He also designed the Beatles "Anthology" albums. Like Gary Wright, Klaus was also a player on the Beatles solo recordings (except Paul) and many of the Apple artists. Some other artists with whom he did session work include Carly Simon, Art Garfunkel (a different Simon & Garfunkel), and Nilsson. He retired full time from the music business in the mid-80s, but still does some projects in art and music on occasion. He released his first solo album in 2009 titled "A Sideman's Journey" that featured contributions from a "Who's Who" of rock and roll. A documentary "All You Need Is Klaus" was released in 2010 on Franco-German TV. He played bass on this Top 10 Dylan cover from 1968... The Mighty Quinn (Quinn The Eskimo) - Manfred Mann ...and appeared with George Harrison, John Lennon, and Billy Preston on this Lennon-penned Ringo tune. I'm The Greatest - Ringo StarrApril 29: ...Tommy James. At age 12, Tommy formed the Tornadoes which eventually evolved into the Shondells. Based in Niles, Michigan, local DJ Jack Douglas had the band record a Jeff Barry/Ellie Greenwich "B" side they had recorded as the Raindrops. Released on Jack's Snap label "Hanky Panky" was a local hit in 1964. In 1965, Bob Mack a Pittsburgh dance promoter found a copy of the aforementioned 45 and began playing it at local sock hops. The song took off regionally and Tommy met with Mack and co-promoter Chuck Rubin. Being the only original Shondell remaining, Tommy recruited a Pittsburgh band the Ranconteurs to be the new Shondells. They were signed by Roulette Records (a story in itself titled "Me, The Mob, And The Music - One Helluva Ride With Tommy James And The Shondells"). The song reached #1 nationally in the summer of 1966. Between 1966 and 1970 the band had 19 Hot 100 hits, seven reaching the Top 10. They would top the charts a second time with "Crimson And Clover". Tommy would chart three Top 40 hits as a solo artist; his highest charting single was the #4 "Draggin' The Line". He also wrote and produced "Tighter, Tighter" for Alive And Kicking and co-wrote "Sugar On Sunday" a Top 40 hit for the Clique. He still tours and in 2008 reunited with the Shondells to record "I Love Christmas". Tommy just missed the Top 40 with this solo effort, peaking at #41. Nothing To Hide - Tommy James
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Post by 1finemrg on Apr 30, 2016 4:53:37 GMT -5
April 30: ...Bobby Vee. Bobby's career was born amid tragedy. The Fargo, North Dakota native answered the local radio station's request for local talent to perform at a scheduled dance later that evening in Moorhead, Minnesota. It was February 4, 1959 the day after "The Day The Music Died. Bobby was 15 at the tine and his group had only been together about a week. They named themselves the Shadows, and Bobby and the group were given the job of filling in for Buddy Holly. Bobby was an admirer of Buddy's and modeled his style after him. The bands performance at the show, now headlined by Dion was a success and launched his career as a teen idol. Members of his early band briefly included piano player Elston Gunnn. Elston, whose real name was Robert Zimmermann would become the legendary Bob Dylan. Later in 1959, Bobby reached the Hot 100 with "Suzie Baby", but it was his 1960 cover of the Clovers' "Devil Or Angel" that would bring him stardom in the US. Later that year, "Rubber Ball" would carry him to international fame. Bobby's career included 6 Top 10 Hits including "Take Good Care Of My Baby" which topped the Hot 100 in 1962. Bobby regularly performed at the Clear Lake, IA Winter Memorial Dance concerts through the years honoring Buddy Holly, the singer he admired. He retired from the music business in 2012. Bob Dylan acknowledged Bobby's presence at a 2013 St. Paul concert and sang "Suzie Baby" in his honor. He reached #3 in 1963 with this up tempo hit... The Night Has A Thousand Eyes - Bobby Vee...and duplicated that feat with this 1967 hit. Come Back When You Grow Up - Bobby Vee April 30: ...Merrill Osmond Merrill is the lead singer of the Osmonds, and also plays bass. Among his other achievements was Executive Producer of the "Donny And Marie Show", production of the inaugurations of Ronald Reagan and George H. Bush, and countless charity work. He is currently performing a series of shows with brothers Jay and Jimmy in Branson, Missouri. Merrill kicks off this #4 classic from 1972 which he also co-wrote. Down By The Lazy River - Osmonds
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Post by 1finemrg on Apr 30, 2016 22:23:27 GMT -5
May 1: ..."Judy Blue Eyes" - Judy Collins. She's a four time Grammy award recipient, and has made her mark as a singer, songwriter, and activist. She has covered everything from Bob Dylan to Stephen Sondheim as well as written memorable material of her own. She released a duets album "Strangers Again" last year, and is preparing to begin her 2016 tour schedule a week from today in Denver. She covered a Joni Mitchell tune in 1968, which earned her a Grammy and was her only Top 10 hit. Both Sides, Now - Judy CollinsOriginally recorded by Ian & Sylvia, Judy's version was a lost 60s classic that peaked at #55. Someday Soon - Judy CollinsMay 1: ...Ray Parker Jr. As a teen, Ray played guitar at the Twenty Grand Club in his home town of Detroit, backing many Motown acts when they appeared there. He also was hired by Holland-Dozier-Holland as a session guitar player. His guitar work is prevalent on many of the hits the Invictus/Hot Wax roster had in the early seventies such as the Honey Cone, Chairman of the Board, Freda Payne, and 100 Proof Aged in Soul. A story famously told by Casey Kasem on AT 40 had Stevie Wonder calling then 18 year old Ray inviting him to join Stevie on the 1972 Rolling Stones tour. Thinking it was a prank call, Ray hung up on him twice. It was only when Stevie sang "Superstition" to him that Ray knew it was the real thing. Ray joined Stevie for the tour, and played guitar on the sessions for the "Talking Book" and "Innervisions" albums. His work with Stevie also resulted in relocating to Los Angeles. He co-wrote "You Got the Love" with Chaka Khan, which became a #11 hit for Rufus in 1974-75, and was also a sideman in Barry White's Love Unlimited Orchestra. He was in demand as a session guitarist in LA playing on albums by everyone from Aretha Franklin to the Carpenters. He came to the forefront with his band Raydio. In 1978, they peaked at #8 with "Jack & Jill". They would become Ray Parker Jr. and Raydio and score two more Top 10 hits before breaking up in 1981. Recording solo, he would hit the Top 10 twice, including the #1 smash "Ghostbusters". Ray is still at it today, providing guitar work for Boz Scaggs' last two CDs "Memphis" and the recently released "A Fool To Care". This Top 10 hit from Ray & Raydio had the whole audience singing when I was lucky enough to attend a "Soundstage" taping a few years back. The show, which featured artists from the 70s and 80s was never aired. He trades lead vocals with Jerry Knight (Ollie & Jerry) on this one. You Can't Change That - Raydio
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Post by 1finemrg on May 2, 2016 5:28:31 GMT -5
May 2: ...Goldy McJohn. He played keyboards for Steppenwolf through their hit-making years. After departing from the band, he would be a part of a reformed Steppenwolf sans front man John Kay. He also played in Humble Pie for a brief period in the early 80s. A native Canadian, he lives in the Seattle area and continues to record and perform locally. His signature Hammond B3 organ is an essential part of the band's first hit that was also included on the "Easy Rider" soundtrack. (Note in the credits: Actress, dancer, choreographer who would have a #1 hit in the early 80s.) Born To Be Wild - Steppenwolf This was the "B" side to their follow up hit "Magic Carpet Ride". Sookie Sookie - SteppenwolfMay 2: ...Lou Gramm He was the voice for Foreigner on all their major hits, and has had a notable solo career as well. He currently is on tour, playing small venues nationwide. One of my favorites of his is a great Small Faces cover that was the "B" side of "Just Between You And Me" Tin Soldier - Lou Gramm
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Post by 1finemrg on May 3, 2016 5:31:49 GMT -5
May 3: ...the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. The plaudits for James are endless. He's the #1 R&B artist in the history of the Billboard charts. Countless Hall of Fame inductions including Rock & Roll and Songwriters. Nicknames? Besides the aforementioned Godfather of Soul, there's Mr. Dynamite and Soul Brother No. 1. His live performances were legendary, setting a high bar for everyone who stepped on a stage or wished to follow in his footsteps. His tunes beginning in the mid-60s helped formed the core of the funk music genre, and he has been cited as the most sampled artist in music history. Then there's the humanitarian side: He continually advocated against dropping out of school, recording public service announcements and spreading the word by making speeches in schools. He was at the forefront of the Civil Rights movement. His Boston concert the night after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was responsible for quelling violence that had occurred in other major cities. He performed for the troops in Vietnam, and he advocated self-reliance. From 1965, this was his highest charting single on the Hot 100, peaking at #3. I Got You (I Feel Good) - James Brown and the Famous FlamesA great Top 10 hit from 1968, it was also one of 17 hits to top the R&B charts. I Got The Feelin' - James Brown and the Famous FlamesMay 3: ...the Jersey boy, Frankie Valli. He topped the charts 5 times with the Four Seasons and twice as a solo artist. The Four Seasons were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. And of course there's the play and movie "Jersey Boys". Bit of trivia: On the Four Seasons 60s hits, you will never hear cymbals crashing. Hard to pick a favorite, but always liked this #9 hit from 1967. Donny Osmond barely reached the Top 40 with his cover. C'mon Marianne - Four Seasons
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Post by 1finemrg on May 3, 2016 22:23:48 GMT -5
May 4: ...David LaFlamme. Born Gary Posie, his first notable gig was as solo violinist for the Utah Symphony Orchestra. After a brief stint in the Army, he relocated to San Francisco in the early 60s. He performed with Jerry Garcia, Dan Hicks and Janis Joplin before forming It's A Beautiful Day in 1967. In order to protect his symphony orchestra reputation, he changed his stage name to David LaFlamme. He continues to perform solo and sometimes with It's A Beautiful Day for the most part at various venues on the West Coast. You also may remember his television appearances as a strolling violinist on "Frazier", "Ellen", and "Wings". It's A Beautiful Day's 1969 eponymous album contained this "flower power" standard. David's solo version was his only Hot 100 chart entry peaking at #89 in early 1977. White Bird - It's A Beautiful DayAnother classic from the band's first album. Hot Summer Day - It's A Beautiful DayMay 4: ...Dick Dale Hopefully, the "King of the Surf Guitar" will get his place in the Rock and Roll of Fame. The speed and fierceness of his guitar playing has been considered a precursor to the heavy metal music genre, influencing the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen. He was a pioneer in the surf music craze that began in the early 60s. His highest charting single "Let's Go Trippin'" only reached #62, but what is considered his signature tune did not chart. Miserlou - Dick Dale and the Del-Tones
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Post by 1finemrg on May 5, 2016 5:40:39 GMT -5
May 5: ...Adele. 19...21...25: Sounds like someone picking numbers for PowerBall. Actually, the titles for her three studio albums to date represent about al lottery-like 60 million units sold worldwide. Her beginnings came from a three song demo that was posted on Myspace by a friend. The demo was recorded as a class project before she graduated from the BRIT School for Performing Arts & Technology in Croydon. Richard Russell of XL Recordings took notice and signed her to a recording contract. Her US career took off after a guest appearance on "Saturday Night Live" in October 2008. Boosted by guest-host Sarah Palin, it earned the best ratings for the program in 14 years. From there, words like first, most, and only accentuate the achievements and accomplishments this songstress has achieved through her relatively short career. - First living artist since the Beatles to have two Top 5 appearances on the Hot 100 and the Billboard 200 Albums charts simultaneously. - Most weeks at #1 on the album chart by a female artist. "21" topped the charts for 23 weeks. - Only artist in the last decade to have a one disc album certified diamond in less than two years after its release. Those are a small sample of the record breaking achievements she has earned. For all the accolades, the good news is they don't overshadow the quality of her talents or the universal chord her music strikes worldwide. Here's hoping on her 28th birthday that it'll also be the title of her next release. This was her first Top 40 hit in the US. Chasing Pavements - AdeleShe won Academy, Golden Globe, and Grammy awards for this James Bond theme. Skyfall - AdeleMay 5: ...Johnnie Taylor With a singing style similar to Sam Cooke, Johnnie actually took his place when Sam left the Soul Stirrers for secular music. He's been billed as "The Philosopher Of Soul" and the "Blues Wailer". He reached the Top 40 eleven times, hitting the Top 10 twice. He topped the charts for four weeks with "Disco Lady", from the Top 10 album "Eargasm". It became the first single to be certified platinum. He was rediscovered in the 80s and signed to Malaco records after singing at bluesman's Z. Z. Hill's funeral. He would release ten albums with the label before his passing in 2000. He was also an on-air personality in the 80s at a Dallas/Fort Worth radio station, billed as "The Wailer, Johnnie Taylor". His other Top 10 hit reached #5 and topped the R&B charts in 1968. It was also a favorite of the Blues Brothers. Who's Making Love - Johnnie Taylor
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Post by 1finemrg on May 6, 2016 5:49:20 GMT -5
May 6: ...Mark Bryan. Mark's fame came as a founding member and lead guitarist of Hootie and the Blowfish. The band began in the mid-80s as the Wolf Brothers, a cover tunes duo of Mark and Darius Rucker. Hootie and the Blowfish have been hiatus since 2008, but reunite several times a year for selected charity events. Mark has become a producer and released a couple of solo albums "30 On The Rail" in 2001 and "End Of The Front" in 2008. He currently teaches at the College of Charleston and was also instrumental in starting their radio station. He founded Carolina Studios, a non-profit after school recording and technology program for children 8-18. He formed Chucktown Music Group in 2009 to release material he produces, writes, and records. The organization also assists local and regional acts with counseling and career guidance. From his Hootie and the Blowfish days, their highest charting single reached #6 in 1995. Only Want To Be With You - Hootie and the BlowfishLoved the cover they recorded for the Led Zeppelin tribute album "Econmium". Hey, Hey What Can I Do - Hootie and the BlowfishMay 6: ...the leader of the Last Heard, System, and the Silver Bullet Band, Bob Seger. One of my favorite Casey Kasem anecdotes is the "Big Fish In A Small Pond" story about his career before he broke through with "Night Moves". One night in the mid-seventies, he headlined a concert in the Pontiac Silverdome for 80,000 fans. The next night he was in Chicago for a concert in front of 1,000 attendees. He was huge in Detroit, and basically a one-hit wonder elsewhere prior to "Night Moves". The one hit, "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man" peaked at #17 in 1969 and featured then-unknown Glenn Frey on rhythm guitar and second vocal. Bob started returning to the national spotlight with the "Live Bullet" album in early 1976. The album has stayed over three years on the charts. He's had 32 Hot 100 hits, 7 reaching the Top 10 with "Shakedown" being his only #1 single from 1987. He reached #1 on the album charts for 8 weeks in 1980 with "Against The Wind". He was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2004. He recently completed what is rumored to be his last tour. Let's hope not. One of his great singles during his solo years only peaked at #80 and charted a mere 4 weeks. Pedal to the metal! Get Out Of Denver - Bob Seger
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Post by 1finemrg on May 7, 2016 6:10:25 GMT -5
May 7: ...Thelma Houston. Thelma first signed with Dunhill Records and her album "Sunshower" was produced, arranged, and written by Jimmy Webb except for her cover of "Jumping Jack Flash". With Dunhill she also had her initial Hot 100 single with a cover of Laura Nyro's "Save The Country". It would peak at #74 in 1970. The following year, she signed with Motown. For years stardom eluded her. She was cast for the lead role in Motown's biopic of Dinah Washington. The project was shelved due to receiving clearance from the subject's relatives. Her scheduled release of the single "Do You Know Where You're Going To?" was pulled and given to Diana Ross for the picture "Mahogany". She joined the cast of "Marty Feldman Comedy Machine" a short-lived program that lasted four months. In the late 70s, Motown also cast her for another biopic of Bessie Smith but the project was never started. By then she had achieved commercial success in 1977, topping the Hot 100 with a cover of a Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes tune. It also topped the R&B and Dance charts and earned her a Grammy. She reached the Top 40 a second time in 1979 with "Saturday Night, Sunday Morning". She continues to tour today, recently performing concerts in Los Angeles and Oakland. Her Grammy-award winner was actually her second nomination. Enjoy the album version. Don't Leave Me This Way - Thelma HoustonHer first nomination was garnered in 1974. You've Been Doing Wrong For So Long - Thelma HoustonMay 7: ...the brother of the first post to this thread, Jimmy Ruffin. Jimmy Ruffin was David's older brother. He charted in the Top 40 three times in the sixties, his peak being the #7 classic "What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted". Like his brother Jimmy, he had a solo comeback several years after his initial success reaching the Top 10 with "Hold On To My Love". Jimmy passed away about six months ago. In late 1970, the Ruffin brothers covered an R&B classic by a man who passed away one week ago today. Their version would peak at #61. Stand By Me - David & Jimmy Ruffin
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Post by 1finemrg on May 8, 2016 6:25:15 GMT -5
May 8: ...Philip Bailey. Original member and co-lead singer for Earth, Wind and Fire, Philip assumed full vocal duties upon the retirement of founder Maurice White. On many of their hits, he was the falsetto voice. As a member of EWF and solo, he has earned 7 Grammy awards. Recently, Earth, Wind and Fire has co-headlined the "2016 Heart And Soul" tour with Chicago. EWF will continue to tour through the summer. Philip has also recorded outside EWF, releasing contemporary, jazz and gospel based albums. His only Top 40 hit outside the band was a duet with the producer of his 1984 album "Chinese Wall". It would peak at #2. Easy Lover - Philip Bailey & Phil CollinsLike "Take It Easy", "Listen To The Music", and "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting", it's hard to believe that this single peaked short of the Top 10. The follow up to the band's only #1 single peaked at #12. It's the title track to their first #1 album, and also the soundtrack to a long-forgotten movie featuring the band. That's The Way Of The World - Earth, Wind and FireMay 8: ...Rick Nelson He grew up in front of America on the "Ozzie & Harriet" television show which ran from 1952 - 1966. It was on that show where Rick's career was launched, covering Fats Domino's "I'm Walkin'". The single would reach #17. The flip side, "A Teenager's Romance" would be his first Top 10 peaking at #8. He topped the charts twice with "Poor Little Fool" and "Travelin' Man". With the British Invasion, his career began to wane. In the late sixties, he reinvented himself and became one of the forefathers of country rock with the Stone Canyon Band. An early member of the band was Randy Meisner who would go on to fame with the Eagles. With the band, he hit the top ten once more with "Garden Party". His life came to a tragic end in a 1985 New Year's Eve plane crash. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. He covers Bob Dylan in this late 1969 Top 40 hit with the Stone Canyon Band. She Belongs To Me - Rick Nelson and the Stone Canyon Band
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Post by 1finemrg on May 8, 2016 22:38:15 GMT -5
May 9: ...Billy Joel. Joel's early musical years were spent in the British Invasion cover band the Echoes. Snuff Garrett hired Billy as the pianist for Bobby Vee, and at that time he also played on several records release through Kama Sutra Productions. He played on the Shangri-Las demo version of "Leader Of The Pack", and either played on the master or demo version of "Remember (Walking in The Sand)". He joined the Hassles in the mid-sixties. The band bubbled under for a week at #112 late in 1967, with their cover of Sam & Dave's "You Got Me Hummin'". Joel and Hassles' drummer Jon Small left and formed the duo Attila in 1969. After an album, they broke up in 1970. Joel had an affair with Jon's girlfriend Elizabeth. She would later become his first wife and the subject of his #3 hit "Just The Way You Are". Billy's first solo album "Cold Spring Harbor" suffered from mastering issues. It was mastered at the wrong speed (faster), and was a commercial disappointment. One song from the album, "She's Got A Way" would be a Top 40 hit as a live release. Joel gained national attention with the follow up album "Piano Man" although the title track reached only #25 when released as a single. The follow up album "Turnstiles" was somewhat disappointing, though he did reach the Top 40 with the single release "The Entertainer". He hit his stride with "The Stranger". The great "52nd Street" and "Glass Houses" would follow and put him amongst the elite. He would earn 6 Grammy awards and be a 1999 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He will do another stadium tour in 2016, appearing at Wrigley Field in Chicago a record fifth time on August 27. Last week, Billy put up his Florida mansion for sale. Asking price is $27 million. Of course, several media types jumped all over this turn of events with headlines that Billy Joel is... Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) - Billy JoelSaw him in 1983 during his "An Innocent Man" tour. One of the highlights was his performance of this lost 80s classic from the previous album "The Nylon Curtain". Goodnight Saigon - Billy JoelMay 9: ... Richie Furay. He's a co-founder of Buffalo Springfield and Poco, and is still putting out good music today as evidenced by his 2015 album "Hand In Hand". In 1974, the short-lived (2 albums) Souther, Hillman, Furay Band was formed. Their one Top 40 hit would peak at #27 late in the year. Fallin' In Love - Souther, Hillman, Furay Band
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Post by mitchm on May 9, 2016 10:39:14 GMT -5
May 9: ...Billy Joel. Joel's early musical years were spent in the British Invasion cover band the Echoes. Snuff Garrett hired Billy as the pianist for Bobby Vee, and at that time he also played on several records release through Kama Sutra Productions. He played on the Shangri-Las demo version of "Leader Of The Pack", and either played on the master or demo version of "Remember (Walking in The Sand)". Billy must have gotten off to a pretty early start in his career. Whitburn has him born in 1949, so he would have been 15 when he was working with the Shangri-Las.
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