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Post by 1finemrg on Jun 19, 2016 6:13:05 GMT -5
June 19: ... Elaine "Spanky" McFarlane. The Peoria, Illinois native was best known as the female vocalist in Spanky and Our Gang. Her vocal presence in the group was similar to Mama Cass's in The Mamas & the Papas, as were the group's vocal harmonies. Spanky and Our Gang's popularity grew from the Chicago folk scene in the mid-sixties. They gained national exposure upon signing with Chicago based Mercury Records. After a cover of the Beatles "And Your Bird Can Sing" failed to chart, the group reached the Top 10 in 1967 with "Sunday Will Never Be The Same". It was the first of five consecutive Top 40 singles for the group charting during 1967 and 1968. The death of lead guitarist Malcolm Hale due to carbon monoxide poisoning in 1968 was a factor to the group disbanding in 1969. Spanky McFarlane would have some solo success, and become a member of the New Mamas & the Papas in the early 80s. This great pop hit reached #14 when released late in 1967. Lazy Day - Spanky and Our GangBanned on some radio stations due to its title, this lost 60s classic (#43) provides great social commentary that is timeless. Give A D a m n - Spanky and Our Gang June 19: ...Ann Wilson Saw Heart a week ago. As I mentioned last Saturday (June 13) in this thread, their encore was entirely composed of Led Zeppelin covers. (Immigrant Song, No Quarter, Misty Mountain Hop) It would have been great had Ann and Robert Plant in his prime ever collaborated on an album (no offense to Mike Reno or Robin Zander). We salute this 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, send birthday wishes, and congratulate her on her recent marriage to Dean Wetter with the now legendary Kennedy Center Honors Led Zeppelin cover. Stairway To Heaven - Featuring Ann & Nancy Wilson and Jason Bonham
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Post by 1finemrg on Jun 20, 2016 5:49:07 GMT -5
June 20: ... Lionel Richie. After enjoying success as songwriter and co-lead singer of the Commodores, Lionel became even more successful as a solo artist earning 4 Grammy awards and an Oscar. He currently is touring the UK and Europe. He will be settling in for another extended stay at the Axis at Planet Hollywood in the fall in Las Vegas. From 1976, this was the Commodores first Top 10 hit, lead vocals and written by Lionel. Sweet Love - CommodoresThis #1 hit closed out the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The video was directed by the Monkees' Mike Nesmith. All Night Long (All Night) - Lionel RichieJune 20: ...the subject of the current movie "Love And Mercy", Brian Wilson. On the eve of summer, it seems appropriate that the man who has written some of the best songs that embody the season should have his birthday at this time. The only Top 40 song that Brian charted as a solo artist was included on the legendary "Pet Sounds" album. Caroline, No - Brian Wilson
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Post by 1finemrg on Jun 21, 2016 5:27:03 GMT -5
June 21: ... Joey Kramer. Long time drummer for Aerosmith, Joey is credited for coming up with the band's name after listening to Harry Nilsson "Aerial Ballet" album. 2016 finds the band working various side projects. Joey has recently been involved in his coffee business while residing in Austin, Texas. A final tour for the band is rumored to be in the works for next year. Joey kicks off this #10 classic from 1977. Walk This Way - AerosmithFlip the single over and Joey shuffles along with this classic deep track. Uncle Salty - AerosmithJune 21: ...Ray Davies. He's the front man of the Kinks. With the first day of summer upon us, what better way to celebrate than this satirical masterpiece? It reached #14 in the US and topped the UK charts. Sunny Afternoon - Kinks
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Post by 1finemrg on Jun 22, 2016 5:48:19 GMT -5
June 22: ... Todd Rundgren. In addition to his successful solo career, Todd also spun platinum and gold producing albums for Badfinger, Meatloaf, Hall and Oates, and Grand Funk among many others. His albums through the years solo and with Utopia are always interesting. Each one represents a new musical world to explore or an old one to revisit. There is usually no continuity from one album to the next. How his career doesn't garner a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination, much less induction is beyond me. As far as Todd personally, I think his song "Real Man" is an apt description. Just ask Liv Tyler... He is celebrating this evening as a part of Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band performing in concert in Cincinnati. He will be the Artist In Residence at the University of Notre Dame at the end of September. As a member of Nazz, Todd penned this "B" side classic that bubbled under in 1968. It was the flip to the original version of "Hello It's Me". Open My Eyes - NazzThe second single off his great "Something Anything" album, it wasn't the hit like "I Saw The Light" or his solo version of "Hello It's Me". It's still a stone cold power pop classic despite its #93 peak position. Couldn't I Just Tell You - Todd RundgrenJune 22: ... Howard Kaylan. Co-founder of the Turtles, he's better known as "Eddie" to Mark Volman's "Flo". After the Turtles demise, Flo & Eddie provided backing vocals to Top 10 hits for Bruce Springsteen and T. Rex. Rejected several times by many other acts, the Turtles turned this tune into their only #1 hit and a pop masterpiece. Featuring lead vocals by Howard. Happy Together - TurtlesHe also sand lead on the #3 follow up. She'd Rather Be With Me - Turtles
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Post by 1finemrg on Jun 23, 2016 5:51:09 GMT -5
June 23: ... Jason Mraz. Jason began attracting public attention upon becoming successful in the San Diego area at the turn of the century. After releasing a local effort "Liver At Java Joe's" in 2001, he made his major label debut the following year with "Waiting For My Rocket To Come". The album would eventually go platinum spurred by the single "The Remedy (I Won't Worry)", which peaked at #15. The next release "Wordplay" would earn 2005 Grammy nominations, and the subsequent tour would find him opening for the Rolling Stones and Alanis Morissette. His subsequent albums "We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.", "Love Is A Four Letter Word" and "Yes!" have built on his career. He has used his notoriety to champion efforts against human trafficking and in support of environmental concerns. Jason is currently touring in the northeastern US. He peaked at #8 in 2012 with this single from his "Love Is A Four Letter Word" effort. I Won't Give Up - Jason MrazFrom 2008, it was a Billboard record breaker at the time, spending an amazing 76 weeks in the Hot 100 peaking at #6. I'm Yours - Jason MrazJune 23: ...Anthony Jackson. Anthony Jackson is a Grammy nominated session musician and bass player. Based in New York City, two of his major rock and roll influences have been James Jamerson (Motown's Funk Brothers) and Jack Cassidy (Jefferson Airplane). He has appeared on more than 500 albums. Some of his credits include Roberta Flack's "Feel Like Makin' Love", Steely Dan's "Gaucho" album, and Paul Simon's "One Trick Pony". His most recognizable work earned him a co-writing credit alongside Gamble & Huff as well as a Grammy nomination. It stands alongside the Isley Brothers' "It's Your Thing" as one of my favorite bass lines in rock and roll. For The Love Of Money - O'Jays
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Post by 1finemrg on Jun 24, 2016 5:24:53 GMT -5
June 24: ... Mick Fleetwood. Pounding the skins for the prolific band who partially bears his name, Mick has been the steadying force behind Fleetwood Mac through the years. He's held the band together through numerous personnel changes, and had the foresight to recognize that bringing Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham into the band would be a good fit upon the departure of Bob Welch. He has had some success with solo efforts and acted in movies and TV. Fleetwood Mac is currently on hiatus. Their last tour was completed about a year ago. Mick shuffles into this Mac classic from the Bob Welch years. A cover of the Yardbirds' "For Your Love" was released as a single and failed to chart. The "B" side is a classic and one of the highlights of the "Mystery To Me" album. Hypnotized - Fleetwood MacHis drumming is front and center (with a little help) kicking off this Top 10 single from 1979. It is the title track of the follow up to the "Rumours" album. Tusk - Fleetwood MacJune 24: ...two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jeff Beck. He was inducted as a member of the Yardbirds in 1992 and as a solo artist in 2009. As a member of the Yardbirds, he was the guitarist on essentially all their hits after "For Your Love". After his departure, he formed the Jeff Beck Group featuring a then unknown Rod Stewart as lead singer. The band dissolved in 1969, but a completely different version of the band began recording in 1971. After two albums, he formed Beck, Bogert (Tim, bass), & Appice (Carmen, Drums). They were together for one studio and one live album. Though critically well received, they were not commercial successes. He reached his pinnacle of commercial success with his Top 10 album "Blow By Blow" in 1975. The jazz-infused follow up "Wired" was a commercial success as well as the 1980 album "There And Back". He continues to put out great music every few years. I really enjoyed his 2011 album "Rock 'n' Roll Party: Honoring Les Paul". Honoring Jeff on his birthday, here is one of his signature instrumentals. Beck's Bolero - Jeff Beck Group
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Post by 1finemrg on Jun 25, 2016 6:31:43 GMT -5
June 25: ... David Paich. Best known as keyboardist for Toto, David has worked as songwriter, session musician and arranger for Cher, George Benson, and Rod Stewart. He was part of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" sessions, plating piano and synthesizer. He also had a major role co-writing and playing several tracks on Boz Scaggs' "Silk Degrees" album. Other milestones include composing the music for the 2008 Summer Olympics, session work on the "We Are The World" release, and being the music director for the 61st Emmy Awards. He co-wrote and sang lead on this #1 hit. Africa - TotoDavid earned a 1976 Grammy for best R & B song, co-writing and playing keyboards on this #3 smash. Lowdown - Boz ScaggsJune 25: ...Carly Simon. Wikipedia has a sense of humor. In Carly's entry, it mentions that her "No Secrets" album sat firmly atop the album charts for 5 weeks. All I can say is that it's a great album with one of the sexiest album covers ever. It ranks up there with the Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass album "Whipped Cream And Other Delights". Carly first appeared on the charts with her sister Lucy as the Simon Sisters. Their single "Winkin' Blinkin' and Nod" peaked at #73 in 1964. She's a three time Grammy Winner, and also has won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. Five of her singles went Top 10, including the #1 "You're So Vain" and "Mockingbird" a duet with her then husband James Taylor. Only Dick Ebersol, NBC executive knows the subject of "You're So Vain". He paid $50,000 to charity for the answer to that burning question. We do know the subject of this song. Her second solo single, it peaked at #13 and was written as she was waiting to go out on a date with Cat Stevens. A little ketchup for that burger? Anticipation - Carly Simon
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Post by 1finemrg on Jun 25, 2016 22:15:11 GMT -5
June 26: ... blackbowl68...wherever he may be. June 26: ... Terri Nunn. Terri initially joined Berlin in 1978, but left to pursue an acting career. She appeared in several TV roles in the 70s and 80s. After an unsuccessful audition for the Princess Leia role in "Star Wars", she landed a role as Jeannie in the movie "Thanks God It's Friday". She rejoined Berlin in 1980, and was the lead singer through their hit making years. They reached the Top 40 twice, and had 6 additional singles chart in the Hot 100. Their songs were in demand for movie soundtrack albums. Movies like "Perfect", "Spaceballs", and "Just One Of The Guys" included Berlin on their soundtrack albums. The band broke up in 1987. Nunn retained the legal name and recreated a new version of the band in the late 90s. She is still leading the band on tour, playing in Pasadena last evening and scheduled to do a series of concerts in Australia next month as part of a "Totally 80s" tour (Martika, Katrina & The Waves, Paul Lekakis, Stacey Q, Men Without Hats, Limahl (Kajagoogoo), and Berlin). Their first Top 40 hit from 1984 peaked at #23 ... No More Words - Berlin... and their second from "Top Gun" sat at #1 for 2 weeks in September, 1986 and won an Oscar. Take My Breath Away - Berlin ... Rindy Ross. Always had a thing for the ex-teacher with the alluring voice who could play a mean saxophone. Here's their huge #3 hit...with a twist. This version is the original before the band re-named themselves Quarterflash. Harden My Heart - Seafood Mama
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Post by 1finemrg on Jun 27, 2016 5:44:01 GMT -5
June 27: ... Joey Covington. Best known as the drummer for Jefferson Airplane / Stsrship and Hot Tuna, Joey had a wide and storied career. He joined Quicksilver Messenger service in the 80s and performed for numerous charities through the years including the NYFD 911 victims and the victims of Hurricane Katrina. He was also a prolific songwriter, co-writing and singing on this Jefferson Airplane FM staple... Pretty As You Feel - Jefferson Airplane...and lending a hand co-writing this Top 40 hit. With Your Love - Jefferson StarshipJune 27: ...the man who wrote the songs that made the whole world sing. No, not Barry Manilow; his birthday was 10 days ago. It's Bruce Johnston. Bruce did earn a Grammy in 1977 for "I Write The Songs". The original version was featured on the Captain & Tennille album "Love Will Keep Us Together". During the 50s and early sixties, he backed up acts like Ritchie Valens, the Everly Brothers, and Eddie Cochran. His first Top 10 action was as arranger and player on Sandy Nelson's "Teen Beat". As the 60s progressed, he began to collaborate with Terry Melcher (late son of Doris Day). They produced and added their vocals to the Rip Chords Top 10 smash "Hey Little Cobra". They also released songs as the duo Bruce & Terry and as the group the Rogues. Bruce is best known as a member of the Beach Boys. He joined the band in 1965, replacing Glen Campbell who was touring with the band for Brian Wilson. He took a 5 year hiatus from the band in 1972. During his absence, he sang and did vocal arrangements on Eric Carmen's "She Did It". He can also be heard on Elton John's "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me", and the Pink Floyd album "The Wall". He rejoined the Beach Boys in 1978 at the request of Brian Wilson, and has toured with original member Mike Love ever since. The 2012 tour marking their 50th anniversary found Mike and Bruce reunited with Brian Wilson, Al Jardine, and David Marks. He was also on this lost 60s classic from this Gary Usher led studio group, reuniting with cohorts Glen Campbell and Terry Melcher. It debuted 48 years this week and managed a #70 peak during its 5 week stay in the Hot 100. My World Fell Down - Sagittarius
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Post by 1finemrg on Jun 27, 2016 23:19:18 GMT -5
June 28: ... Richard Rodgers. He is the only other person besides Marvin Hamlisch to win Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards plus a Pulitzer Prize. Composer of over 900 songs and 43 Broadway musicals, his work with lyricists Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II provided the backbone to legendary musicals such as "A Connecticut Yankee", "Pal Joey", "South Pacific", "Oklahoma!", "The King And I" and "The Sound Of Music". Not a fan of rock and roll, he took out full page ads urging people not to buy a doo-wop version of a song originally written by Rodgers and Hart in 1934. It didn't work; the song topped the Hot 100 in 1961. Blue Moon - MarcelsFrom "Carousel", this version topped the UK charts for 4 weeks in 1963. You'll Never Walk Alone - Gerry and the PacemakersJune 28: ...David Knights, original bassist for Procol Harum. He was a member for their first three albums, including the Top 40 hits "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" and "Homburg". He also was on this 1967 studio recording of a song whose live version would be a Top 20 hit 5 years later. Conquistador - Procol Harum
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Post by 1finemrg on Jun 28, 2016 22:00:13 GMT -5
June 29: ... Colin Hay. Lead singer for Men At Work, Colin has enjoyed some solo success releasing 12 albums and touring twice with Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band. Beginning next month, Colin will be touring North America and England for the remainder of the summer. Featuring Colin on lead vocals for Men At Work's first #1 single... Who Can It Be Now? - Men At Work...and this #3 smash. Overkill - Men At WorkJune 29: ...Deep Purple and Whitesnake drummer Ian Paice. He is the only member of Deep Purple to appear on every album the band has released. During their 8 year hiatus (1976 - 1984) he drummed for Whitesnake for 3 years and also worked with Gary Moore. We go back to the early days and honor Ian with Deep Purple's cover of a Neil Diamond classic. Kentucky Woman - Deep Purple
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Post by 1finemrg on Jun 30, 2016 5:23:14 GMT -5
June 30: ... Tony Hatch. Tony's extraordinary songwriting and/or production skills were behind the successful careers of Petula Clark and the Searchers. He also worked with Bobby Rydell (Forget Him) and wrote Chris Montez's Top 10 hit "Call Me". But it was his work with Petula Clark that was noteworthy. Pet had a string of 15 Top 40 singles between 1964 and 1968 helped by Tony's production and songwriting, often with his then-wife Jackie Trent. Pet topped the Hot 100 twice with "Downtown" and "My Love". Petula and Tony teamed up giving AM radio some of the best pop songs of the time. They were well-crafted pieces of orchestration, beautifully written and spiritually uplifting. One of them was this Hatch/Trent song that Petula has cited as one of her favorites. I Couldn't Live Without Your Love - Petula ClarkThis band also was produced by Hatch and is another Hatch/Trent collaboration. Though they never reached the Top 40 in the US, this is a beloved lost 60s classic... You've Got To Be Loved - MontanasUsing the pseudonym Fred Nightingale, Tony wrote this classic originally for the Searchers. It became a lost 60s classic when covered by this Chicago-based group. Sugar And Spice - Cryan ShamesJune 30: ... Florence Ballard. Only wish that Flo and Mary had a chance to spread their wings a little bit while they were with the Supremes (for whatever reason). Here she is in the spotlight performing this Dionne Warwick classic. Walk On By - Florence Ballard
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Post by palmer7 on Jun 30, 2016 17:28:10 GMT -5
And don't forget Tony's biggest contribution to Australian music...
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Post by 1finemrg on Jul 1, 2016 5:07:11 GMT -5
July 1: ... Deborah Harry. The first time Deborah put voice to vinyl was as a member of the folk group Wind In The Willows. The group released their self-titled debut album in the late 60s. They recorded a second album before disbanding. The album was never released and the studio tapes were lost. She performed in several bands during the first half of the 70s, meeting guitarist and eventual boyfriend Chris Stein along the way. They eventually formed Blondie and released their debut album in 1976. They began performing regularly at CBGB in New York City and Max's in Kansas City. Blondie's career took off, first in Europe before their success in the US. On the Hot 100, it was feast or famine with the group. They charted 4 Top 20 singles, and all peaked at #1 (Heart Of Glass, Call Me, The Tide Is High, Rapture). In the UK, "Rapture" did not top the charts peaking at #5, but they did peak at the top with "Sunday Girl", "Atomic", and "Maria". "Maria" was released when the band reunited in the late 90s after a 15 year hiatus. The original members continue to tour occasionally and release new music. Along parallel lines (pun intended), Debbie has had success as a solo artist releasing several albums and occasionally touring sans Blondie. This great track from their debut album has had a place on my summertime music playlists over the years. In The Sun - BlondieThe manic follow up to "Heart Of Glass" peaked at #24 in 1979. One Way Or Another - BlondieJuly 1: ...Delaney Bramlett. He was a member of the house band on "Shindig!", and also worked with J. J. Cale and Leon Russell in the mid-sixties. He and then-wife Bonnie toured as Delaney and Bonnie and Friends in the late sixties/early seventies. The partnership resulted in 2 Top 20 hits "Never Ending Song Of Love" and their version of Dave Mason's "Only You Know And I Know". They toured at the time opening for Blind Faith. During the tour Delaney formed a bond with Eric Clapton, and became influential at the beginning of Eric's solo career. He co-wrote "Let It Rain" with Eric and produced his self-titled debut album. He also taught George Harrison how to play the slide guitar, which became a very important element in his masterpiece "All Things Must Pass". Eric and George were among those who recorded and/or toured in Delaney and Bonnie and Friends. Other "Friends" included Leon Russell, King Curtis, Duane Allman, Gregg Allman, Dave Mason, Rita Coolidge, Carl Radle, Jim Gordon, Bobby Whitlock, Jim Keltner, Bobby Keys, and Gram Parsons. Delaney and Bonnie's first Hot 100 single "Coming Home" reached #84. The "B" side written by Delaney and Bonnie with Leon Russell would eventually become a #3 smash for the Carpenters. Groupie (Superstar) - Delaney And Bonnie And Friends Featuring Eric Clapton
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Post by 1finemrg on Jul 2, 2016 6:01:11 GMT -5
July 2: ... Roy Bittan. Known as "The Professor", Roy joined the E Street Band as keyboardist in the summer of 1974. His repertoire includes piano, organ, accordion, and synthesizer. His tenure with Springsteen has been continuous ever since. When Bruce decided to break from the E Street Band during the late 80s, Roy was the only member that was retained with the new supporting band in the studio and on tour. Roy's work has made him an in-demand studio musician, playing on Mealoaf's "Bat Out Of Hell" and subsequent albums. He has also played with Dire Straits, David Bowie, Peter Gabriel, and Stevie Nicks. As a member of the E Street Band, Roy was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. Later that year, he released his first solo effort "Out Of The Box" a collection of instrumental recordings. Roy is currently touring with Bruce on his "The River Tour 2016". The tour is on its second leg performing in Europe, with a concert scheduled in Milan, Italy tomorrow. He is pounding the ivories on this classic "Born To Run" track. Released as the follow-up to "Born To Run", it was a disappointment as a single only reaching #83. Tenth Avenue Freeze Out - Bruce SpringsteenHe was a favorite of producer Jim Steinman, and played piano on the session that produced this #1 hit. Total Eclipse Of The Heart - Bonnie TylerJuly 2: ...Paul Williams. He was one of the lead vocalists of the Temptations in their "Classic Five" era, mostly on their very early pre-Top 40 recordings. He was also the band's choreographer in the early years prior to Motown hiring Cholly Atkins to work with all the acts. He also worked with the Supremes on their choreography, especially their "Stop! In The Name Of Love" routine. His signature song was also the one that gave us the famous "Temptation Walk". Don't Look Back - Temptations
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