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Post by 1finemrg on Jul 15, 2016 23:36:23 GMT -5
July 16: … Alan Fitzgerald. Alan began in the 70s playing bass for Ronnie Montrose in Montrose and Gamma, and keyboards with Sammy Hagar on his first two albums. His main claim to fame is being keyboardist for Night Ranger during the 80s and 90s. Other credits include keyboards with Van Halen on several of their tours, including the early 90s, 2004, 2007, and 2012. He also joined Bruce Springsteen for his 2005 “Devils and Dust” tour. Celebrating Alan’s tenure with Night Ranger with their first hit that reached the bottom rung of the Top 40… Don’t Tell Me You Love Me – Night Ranger…and this lost 80s classic. (You Can Still) Rock In America – Night RangerJuly 16: ...a reggae pioneer, the late great Desmond Dekker. Backed by the Aces, Desmond had one the earliest international reggae hits with "Israelites" in 1968. It topped the UK charts and was the first of its genre to reach the Top 10 in the US. A second run up the UK charts in 1975 would find the song again reaching the Top 10. The follow-up "It Mek" would also reach the Top 10 in the UK a couple of months later. Desmond died in 2006, survived by a son and daughter. In 1970 Desmond Dekker and the Aces reached #2 on the UK charts with a song written by Jimmy Cliff. The same instrumental track was used as Jimmy's version, and Desmond's vocals were added. You Can Get It If You Really Want - Desmond Dekker and the Aces
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Post by 1finemrg on Jul 16, 2016 23:06:47 GMT -5
July 17: … Nicolette Larson. Nicolette began as a session singer, her first significant contribution being on Commander Cody’s albums in the mid-70s. In 1977, she worked with Emmy Lou Harris on her album “Luxury Liner”. This caught the attention of Linda Ronstadt who recommended her to Neil Young for his album “American Stars ‘N Bars”. Neil loved the harmonies that Linda and Nicolette contributed to the album. Nicolette would have her only solo Top 40 hit with a song from the pen of Neil Young. She would reach the Top 40 a second time with “Let Me Go Love” with considerable help from Michael McDonald. Nicolette returned the favor providing backing vocals on the Doobie Brothers’ “One Step Closer” album, including “Real Love”. She also can be heard on the Top 40 hits “Make A Little Magic” by the Dirt Band and Christopher Cross’s “Say You’ll Be Mine”. Nicolette would marry drummer Russ Kunkel in 1990, and they would remain together until her unfortunate passing in 1997. The Neil Young penned Top 40 hit would reach #8... Lotta Love – Nicolette Larson… while the follow up would become a lost 70s classic, peaking at #48. Rhumba Girl – Nicolette LarsonJuly 17: ...Spencer Davis. Along with Pete York and the Winwood brothers, Steve and Mervyn (Muff), Spencer formed the Spencer Davis Group in 1963. Surprisingly, their 2 UK #1 hits failed to reach the top 40 in the US. Their 2 Top 40 hits were "Gimme Some Loving" (#7 US, #2 UK) and "I'm A Man" (#10 US, #9 UK). Their "I'm A Man" differs from the Yardbirds' song with the same title. The Blues Brothers reached the Top 40 with their cover of "Gimme Some Lovin'" (title change) and Chicago did one of my favorite cover tunes of all time with their version of "I'm A Man" from their "Chicago Transit Authority" debut album. It would also reach the Top 40 as part of a two-sided hit with "Questions 67 & 68". Spencer Davis still tours today, employing separate US and European versions of the Spencer Davis Group. It was their first #1 in the UK, but a 1965 lost 60s classic peaking at #76 in the US. Keep On Running - Spencer Davis Group
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Post by trekkielo on Jul 18, 2016 2:03:02 GMT -5
July 10: ... Mavis Staples. Whether solo or with "Pops" and her siblings as the Staple Singers, Mavis has possessed one of the most powerful and soulful voices of the genre. Rooted in gospel, the Staple Singers switched to pop and soul in the mid-60s upon signing with Epic records. Their commercial success came after signing with Stax in the late 60s. 1971 began a string of 7 Top 40 singles including 1 chart-topper. After Stax went bankrupt, the group signed with Curtis Mayfield's Curtom label. He produced their final Top 40 single "Let's Do It Again" which in 1975 would become their second #1 hit. The Staple Singers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999. Mavis has carried on releasing "Livin' On A High Note" earlier this year. She is currently doing a series of concerts with a man whose marriage proposal she once turned down. Tonight, Mavis and Bob Dylan will be performing in Atlantic City. Later this year, Mavis will be a Kennedy Center honoree. Their second Top 40 hit was a wonderful mix of soul and gospel which peaked at #12. Written by the recently departed Sir Mack Rice and Luther Ingram. Respect Yourself - Staple SingersThe follow up was their first chart-topper. I'll Take You There - Staple Singers
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Post by 1finemrg on Jul 18, 2016 6:12:58 GMT -5
July 18: ... Ian Stewart. In the early days of the Rolling Stones, manager Andrew Loog Oldham decided that member Ian Stewart didn't fit the band's image and 6 members were too many. Ian accepted a demotion to road manager and offstage keyboard player and pianist with the band. With the exception of the albums "Their Satanic Majesties Request", "Beggars Banquet", and "Some Girls", Ian played on all the Stones' albums until his passing in 1985. He was inducted as a Stones' member into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989. He would pick and choose the songs he would play with the band, favoring a boogie-woogie style and refusing to play any minor keys. He would also stand aloof from the Stones' lifestyle. An avid golfer, he would often book the band at hotels with golf courses away from areas with easy access to support their desired lifestyle. He was an important critic for the band. The Stones would often look to Ian for approval when writing or rehearsing a song. Outside the Rolling Stones, Ian played on Led Zeppelin's "Rock And Roll" and also appeared on George Thorogood's "Bad To The Bone" album. One of the band's tracks that was tailor made for Ian's piano playing was this #1 hit from 1969. Honky Tonk Women - Rolling StonesAnother Led Zeppelin track that bore Ian's thumbprint was featured on the "Physical Graffiti" album, appropriately titled... Boogie With Stu - Led ZeppelinJuly 18: ...Dion (DiMucci). As lead singer of the Belmonts, they were one of the acts on the ill-fated "Winter Dance Party". He turned down the $36 offer for a seat on that tragic flight from Clear Lake, IA. It was the same monthly rent his parents paid for his childhood apartment and he couldn't justify the indulgence. They performed the next night along with Bobby Vee singing lead with the Crickets. The tour was completed with Frankie Avalon, Jimmy Clanton, and Fabian added to the bill after the deaths of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper (J. P. Richardson) and pilot Roger Peterson. Dion & The Belmonts reached the Top 40 seven times, and their biggest hit "Where Or When" peaked at #3. He went solo in 1960, and would rack up 9 Top 10 hits during the decade. His "Runaround Sue" which he wrote with the recently departed (July 8) Ernie Maresca was his lone chart-topper. Both "The Wanderer" and his cover of the Drifters "Ruby Baby" peaked at #2. Drug addiction and the British Invasion contributed to his decline in popularity in the latter half of the sixties, although he and Bob Dylan were the only rock artists to appear on the cover of the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band". Through the years he has recorded Christian and blues music. He has released several singles and albums that garnered some critical praise, but sold modestly. Of note was his 1989 "Yo Frankie" album produced by Dave Edmunds and featuring contributions from Dave as well as Paul Simon, Lou Reed, Bryan Adams, k. d. lang, and Patty Smyth. Lou Reed inducted him into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1989 as a solo artist. I was lucky to see him perform at a small venue opening for Roy Orbison in the mid-eighties. It was quite a memorable show. In the late sixties Dion re-signed with Laurie records. One of the conditions in the contract was that he record a song written by Dick Holler who also wrote "Snoopy Vs. The Red Baron". The song would top the Canadian charts and earn a gold record while peaking at #4 in the US. Abraham, Martin & John - Dion
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Post by 1finemrg on Jul 19, 2016 5:37:31 GMT -5
July 19: ... Brian May. Lead guitarist and co-founder of Queen, outside the band he has attained a PhD in astrophysics and for six years was Chancellor at Liverpool John Moores University. He continues to occasionally perform with Queen featuring Paul Rodgers in the mid-2000s and most recently Adam Lambert. They are currently on hiatus having last performed towards the end of 2015. Brian will be touring the Far East in the fall and wrapping up 2016 with a series of Christmas concerts in the UK with English actor and singer Kerry Ellis. He wrote Queen's first single... Keep Yourself Alive - Queen...and this one as well. He also sings lead vocals. It was the "B" side of "You're My Best Friend". 39 - QueenJuly 19: ...Bernie Leadon. After stints with Dillard & Clark and The Flying Burrito Brothers, Bernie joined forces with Don Henley, Randy Meisner, and Glenn Frey to form the Eagles. Randy had been moonlighting with the other three as Linda Ronstadt's backing band previously. His country rock origins figured prominently on the early albums. When their second album "Desperado" became somewhat a commercial disappointment, the band wanted to move toward a harder edge to their music. Bernie helped the band recruit Don Felder to achieve this, and the result was the successful "On The Border" album. "One Of These Nights" followed which was another leap toward "Arena Rock". Frustrated with this total turn away from country rock, Bernie left the band and was replaced by Joe Walsh. In the succeeding years, he has performed bluegrass and gospel music releasing two solo albums. He resides in Nashville where he does production and session work. He has also rejoined the Eagles for their current "History of the Eagles" tour. He co-wrote this great track with ex-Byrds member Gene Clark, and sings lead vocals. It's one of many great songs off their self-titled debut album. Train Leaves Here This Morning - Eagles
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Post by 1finemrg on Jul 20, 2016 5:48:51 GMT -5
July 20: ... Kim Carnes. Her first appearance in the Hot 100 was as a part of the studio bubblegum pop group the Sugar Bears. Their single "You Are The One" peaked at #83 in 1972. She and her husband Dave Ellingson collaborated with David Cassidy during the height of his international fame, and appeared as the opening act to several of his concerts. She first appeared on the Adult Contemporary charts in 1975 with "You're A Part Of Me". She would re-record the song as a duet with Gene Cotton, and it would mark her Top 40 debut peaking at #36. Kim and Dave (husband) would pen all the songs for Kenny Rogers concept album "Gideon". A duet with Kenny "Don't Fall In Love With A Dreamer" would become her introduction into the Top 10, peaking at #4. Smokey Robinson was impressed with her raspy vocal stylings, and recorded a demo "Being With You" specifically with Kim in mind. His producer insisted that he record the song and it ended up being a #2 hit for Smokey in 1981. Shed no tears for Kim, for along came the #1 album "Mistaken Identity". For the album, she covered a Jackie DeShannon/Donna Weiss tune written in 1974. It would spend nine weeks at #1 and earn two Grammys in 1982. She would also strike up a special friendship with the subject of the song, actress Bette Davis. In early 1985, she held the distinction of simultaneously appearing in the Hot 100 as a solo artist (#68 Invitation To Dance), a duo (with Barbra Streisand, the #51 Make No Mistake, He's Mine), and a trio (with Kenny Rogers and James Ingram, the #15 What About Me?). She's resided in Nashville since the mid-nineties. The mother of three sons, she will be celebrating her fiftieth wedding anniversary next year. Her first Top 10 solo single is what impressed Smokey Robinson, a great cover of a Miracles hit from the 60s. More Love - Kim CarnesAlways liked her work with Randy Meisner on this #22 hit from 1980. Deep Inside My Heart - Randy Meisner (with Kim Carnes)July 20: ...Carlos Santana. Although the Santana album "Abraxas" was inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame, the first of his 10 Grammys was not earned until 1988. The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1998, its fifth year of eligibility. It was the switch to Clive Davis and Arista Records that resulted in a boatload of Grammys, earned due to the multi-million selling "Supernatural". The singles "Smooth" and "Maria, Maria" spent a combined 22 weeks at the top of the charts at the turn of the century. Carlos's initial break came filling in for Paul Butterfield at San Francisco's Fillmore West in 1966. Bill Graham created an impromptu band for the show, and Carlos was suggested for the guitarist. The jam session led to Carlos forming the Santana Blues Band. Shortened to Santana, they became popular on the San Francisco club circuit leading to the aforementioned Clive Davis signing the band to Columbia Records in 1969. Carlos and the band took a huge step forward with their appearance at Woodstock. Immediately after the festival their self-titled debut album was released to commercial and critical success. Both the album and the second single "Evil Ways" reached the Top 10. The next two albums saw the initial version of the band reach its peak. "Abraxas" and "Santana III" both topped the charts. Several Top 40 singles were released, highlighted by the #4 Fleetwood Mac cover of "Black Magic Woman" and the Top 10 "Oye Como Va". Musical direction, financial issues, and drugs began to take their toll resulting in several personnel changes. Carlos began to assume more control of the band's direction turning it in a jazz/fusion direction. Although the results were critically acclaimed, sales lagged drastically. They reached a second commercial peak in the late 70s/early 80s with the release of the "Moonflower" and "Zebop!" albums. Singles like their cover of "She's Not There", "Winning", and "Hold On" garnered Top 40 airplay. Their 1985 performance at "Live Aid" was one of high energy and a highlight of the charitable effort. They continued to release efforts in the late 80s and 90s, but sales waned. A switch to Polydor Records failed to ignite sales. It wasn't until Carlos reunited with Clive Davis that his career reached a "Supernatural" level. Though known for his guitar work, Carlos occasionally stepped behind the mike as well. His vocals grace this classic from "Abraxas". Everything's Coming Our Way - Santana
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Post by 1finemrg on Jul 21, 2016 4:51:23 GMT -5
July 21: ... Howie Epstein. Howie cut his teeth in the Milwaukee area for most of the 70s, playing rhythm guitar for a number of area bands. When he felt he had advanced as far as he could, he was set to head east to find work. However, he found himself on the west coast playing bass for John Hiatt courtesy of a friend who was drumming for the band. He remained for two albums, then took a gig backing Del Shannon. Tom Petty was producing Del's comeback album "Drop Down And Get Me" in the early 80s. When Heartbreakers' bassist Ron Blair left the band due to the grind of touring, Tom recruited Howie to join the Heartbreakers. He would remain with the band until his death in 2003 from complications related to drug abuse. He was only 47. He was inducted with the Heartbreakers into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. In addition to all the accolades earned during his tenure with the band, Howie produced John Prine's "The Missing Years" which captured a Grammy in 1991. Other artists who benefitted from his bass playing include Bob Dylan, Carlene Carter (to whom he was engaged), Johnny Cash, Stevie Nicks, Linda Ronstadt, and Warren Zevon. He backed Tom vocally on the first single from his solo "Full Moon Fever" album. It peaked at #12. I Won't Back Down - Tom PettyHis "in the pocket" bass playing helped the first single from "Into he Great Wide Open" take flight. Learning To Fly - Tom Petty and the HeartbreakersJuly 21: ...the man born Steven Georgiou, found fame as Cat Stevens, and is now Yusuf Islam. He first made his mark in the UK in the late sixties when "Matthew And Son" peaked at #2 and the album of the same name reached the Top 10. He was also successful as a songwriter. The Tremeloes had a hit with "Here Comes My Baby", and his "The First Cut Is The Deepest" first charted in the UK by P. P. Arnold, and later became a hit for Keith Hampshire, Rod Stewart, and Sheryl Crow. In 2005 and 2006 the song earned him back-to-back ASCAP "Songwriter of the Year" awards. He contracted tuberculosis in the late sixties. A near death experience, he was hospitalized for several months and spent a year convalescing. During the illness, he changed his lifestyle, taking up yoga and meditation, becoming a vegetarian, and reading about other religions. He also wrote dozens of songs, many of which would appear during his commercially successful period in the seventies. In the era of the singer/songwriter, Cat made his mark with "Tea For The Tillerman" and "Teaser And The Firecat". In the US, his first chart hit was "Wild World" a song he wrote which was previously a Top 10 UK hit for Jimmy Cliff. All told, he charted 6 Top 10 US albums, with "Catch Bull At Four" reaching the top of the charts. On the singles chart, he reached the Top 10 four times led by the #6 peaking songs "Morning Has Broken" and his cover of Sam Cooke's "Another Saturday Night". He converted to Islam late in 1977, eventually leaving the music industry to avoid conflict within his religious beliefs and the process of writing and performing becoming more of a task. In the 2000s he began recording and performing again. Although his religious beliefs have been the subject of controversy through the years, he has received many humanitarian awards and donated a significant portion of his earnings and royalties to charitable causes. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2014. As Cat Stevens, he recorded this classic track off the "Teaser And The Firecat" album in 1971. Bitterblue - Cat Stevens
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Post by 1finemrg on Jul 22, 2016 5:56:55 GMT -5
July 22: ... Bobby Sherman. Bobby's first break came as a regular on "Shindig!" in the sixties. During this time, he released several singles on the Decca label. "It Hurts Me" managed to bubble under for 3 weeks peaking at #118 in the spring of 1965. He landed the role of Jeremy Bolt in the TV series "Here Come The Brides". Though the series only ran from 1968 - 1970, it resulted in Bobby's career as a singer/teen idol during the early 70s. He charted seven Top 40 hits in the US, including 4 that reached the Top 10. Through the years he made guest appearances on TV shows and occasionally performed as well. He performed his last solo concert in Lincoln, NE on August 25, 2001. He retired from public life, but does occasional corporate events and concerts benefitting various charities he has sponsored. One of those charities involves Emergency Medical Technicians for which he became fully licensed, and volunteered for the City of Los Angeles. His first hit peaked at #3 in 1969. Little Woman - Bobby ShermanIn 2010, he received his platinum record for this #5 hit from 1970. Julie, Do Ya Love Me - Bobby ShermanJuly 22: ...George Clinton. George formed a doo-wop group in the 50s known as the Parliaments. Moving to Detroit in the 60s, he became a songwriter for Motown while arranging and producing records for local soul labels. The Revilot label signed George's then current version of the Parliaments who scored a Top 20 hit with "(I Wanna) Testify". A dispute with the label caused to George to temporarily lose the rights to the group's name. The group along with their supporting musicians known as Funkadelic signed to the Westbound label in the early 70s. Meanwhile George also signed with Invictus, then Casablanca another deal with a group named Parliament. Both groups were the same ever-expanding ensemble with separate identities. Parliament was a smooth horn-based R&B band, while Funkadelic had psychedelic guitar funk roots. They toured as Parliament/Funkadelic or P-Funk. Both groups reached #1 on the R&B charts twice and had some success crossing over to the Hot 100. George, along with over a dozen of his fellow band mates were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1998. He still performs on occasion, most recently during a UK festival last month. Here's Parliament's #1 R&B hit that reached #15 on the Hot 100... Tear The Roof Off The Sucker (Give Up The Funk) - Parliament...and Funkadelic's #1 R&B Top 30 hit on the Hot 100. One Nation Under A Groove - Funkadelic
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Post by 1finemrg on Jul 23, 2016 5:17:46 GMT -5
July 23: ... Ian Thomas. Although the Canadian singer/songwriter is a one hit wonder in the states as an artist, Ian has reached the Top 40 as a songwriter as well. Manfred Mann's Earth Band peaked at #22 with his composition "Runner" and America just missed the Top 40 with their follow-up to "You Can Do Magic". "Right Before Your Eyes" would peak at #45. Ian's brother, Dave is also a US one hit wonder. As Doug McKenzie, Dave teamed up with Rick Moranis (Bob McKenzie) and Rush's Geddy Lee, reaching #16 with "Take Off". Ian continues to be active in the music business. He recorded and toured as a member of the Boomers between 1991 and 2002, and has performed for several years with the group Lunch At Allen's. His latest solo effort "A Life In Song" was released this year. Although Ian had a top 30 hit in Canada, Santana covered his composition and reached #15 US/#4 Canada. Hold On - Ian ThomasHis only US Top 40 hit takes me back to the late 1973/early 1974 time frame. Driven by the clavinet and featuring a sing-along chorus, it would peak at #34 but reach #4 in his native Canada. Painted Ladies - Ian ThomasJuly 23: ... Tony Joe White. Although well known for that one big hit from 1969, he also ushered Brook Benton's comeback in 1970 writing his #4 smash "Rainy Night In Georgia". In the late 80s, he wrote several songs for Tina Turner's "Foreign Affair" including the Top 40 hit "Steamy Windows". His popularity has gradually increased since then via a series of albums and concert appearances. Some of the highlights were a 1992 appearance at the Montreaux festival, his 2001 album "The Beginning", opening for Roger Waters 2006 "Dark Side Of The Moon" concert, and his 2013 album "Hoodoo". Then there's that one big hit which he performed with the Foo Fighters on the David Letterman Show last year. When he finished, Dave pointed to Tony and told the TV audience, "If I was this guy, you could all kiss my a**." Polk Salad Annie - Tony Joe White
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Post by trekkielo on Jul 23, 2016 10:20:24 GMT -5
July 20: ... Kim Carnes. Her first appearance in the Hot 100 was as a part of the studio bubblegum pop group the Sugar Bears. Their single "You Are The One" peaked at #83 in 1972. She and her husband Dave Ellingson collaborated with David Cassidy during the height of his international fame, and appeared as the opening act to several of his concerts. She first appeared on the Adult Contemporary charts in 1975 with "You're A Part Of Me". She would re-record the song as a duet with Gene Cotton, and it would mark her Top 40 debut peaking at #36. Kim and Dave (husband) would pen all the songs for Kenny Rogers concept album "Gideon". A duet with Kenny "Don't Fall In Love With A Dreamer" would become her introduction into the Top 10, peaking at #4. Smokey Robinson was impressed with her raspy vocal stylings, and recorded a demo "Being With You" specifically with Kim in mind. His producer insisted that he record the song and it ended up being a #2 hit for Smokey in 1981. Shed no tears for Kim, for along came the #1 album "Mistaken Identity". For the album, she covered a Jackie DeShannon/Donna Weiss tune written in 1974. It would spend nine weeks at #1 and earn two Grammys in 1982. She would also strike up a special friendship with the subject of the song, actress Bette Davis. In early 1985, she held the distinction of simultaneously appearing in the Hot 100 as a solo artist (#68 Invitation To Dance), a duo (with Barbra Streisand, the #51 Make No Mistake, He's Mine), and a trio (with Kenny Rogers and James Ingram, the #15 What About Me?). She's resided in Nashville since the mid-nineties. The mother of three sons, she will be celebrating her fiftieth wedding anniversary next year. Her first Top 10 solo single is what impressed Smokey Robinson, a great cover of a Miracles hit from the 60s. More Love - Kim CarnesYou forgot to mention that "Bette Davis Eyes" by Kim Carnes ironically kept Smokey Robinson's "Being With You" out of the #1 spot at #2 as Casey Kasem pointed out on American Top 40 from July 6th, 1981!
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Post by trekkielo on Jul 23, 2016 10:33:16 GMT -5
July 21: ... Howie Epstein. Howie cut his teeth in the Milwaukee area for most of the 70s, playing rhythm guitar for a number of area bands. When he felt he had advanced as far as he could, he was set to head east to find work. However, he found himself on the west coast playing bass for John Hiatt courtesy of a friend who was drumming for the band. He remained for two albums, then took a gig backing Del Shannon. Tom Petty was producing Del's comeback album "Drop Down And Get Me" in the early 80s. When Heartbreakers' bassist Ron Blair left the band due to the grind of touring, Tom recruited Howie to join the Heartbreakers. He would remain with the band until his death in 2003 from complications related to drug abuse. He was only 47. He was inducted with the Heartbreakers into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. In addition to all the accolades earned during his tenure with the band, Howie produced John Prine's "The Missing Years" which captured a Grammy in 1991. Other artists who benefitted from his bass playing include Bob Dylan, Carlene Carter (to whom he was engaged), Johnny Cash, Stevie Nicks, Linda Ronstadt, and Warren Zevon. He backed Tom vocally on the first single from his solo "Full Moon Fever" album. It peaked at #12. I Won't Back Down - Tom PettyHis "in the pocket" bass playing helped the first single from "Into he Great Wide Open" take flight. Learning To Fly - Tom Petty and the HeartbreakersElectric Light Orchestra's Jeff Lynne co-wrote, co-produced and played on both of those songs!
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Post by 1finemrg on Jul 24, 2016 6:25:36 GMT -5
June 24: ... Jennifer Lopez. The multi-talented entertainer first made her mark as a Fly Girl dancer on "In Living Color" from 1991 - 1993. As an actress, she received critical acclaim for her lead role in the 1997 "Selena" biopic. In 2001, she became the first woman to simultaneously score a #1 album (J Lo) and #1 box office film (The Wedding Planner). She's topped the singles charts 4 times. With music sales approaching $60 million and movie box office receipts of over $2 billion, Jennifer is regarded as the most influential Hispanic performer in the US. Her first single went Top 10 world wide, including #1 in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. If You Had My Love - Jennifer LopezHer 2003 #1 hit featured L. L. Cool J and was the name of her show in Las Vegas this year. All I Have - Jennifer Lopez (featuring L.L. Cool J.)July 24: ...Barbara Jean Love, vocalist, Friends Of Distinction. The Friends Of Distinction had their roots in the mid-60s group the Hi-Fi's. Other members included Marilyn McCoo and Lamont McLemore who would go on to co-found the Fifth Dimension. NFL legend Jim Brown has been credited with discovering the Friends Of Distinction. Here's their #15 follow-up to "Grazing In The Grass" from 1969. Going In Circles - Friends Of Distinction
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Post by 1finemrg on Jul 25, 2016 5:38:24 GMT -5
July 25: ... Verdine White. He's the bass player and the only founding member remaining from Earth, Wind & Fire. He has also made guest appearances as bassist/producer on several other artists' albums including Deniece Williams, The Emotions, Level 42, and yesterday's birthday feature, Jennifer Lopez. With Earth, Wind and Fire, Verdine was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 and has earned 6 Grammys. He co-wrote the follow-up to their #1 hit "Shining Star". It was also the title track to their 1975 album and peaked at #12 on the Hot 100. That's The Way Of The World - Earth, Wind & FireHe also received credit for this #13 hit from 1977. Serpentine Fire - Earth, Wind & FireJuly 25: ...Steve Goodman. Steve left us way too soon passing in 1984 at the age of 36 after a battle with leukemia. The Chicago-based folk singer extraordinaire left a treasure of classics that showcased his witticism as well as his razor-tongued political and social commentary. His songs were covered by many others. Arlo Guthrie had a Top 20 hit with "City Of New Orleans". It was also covered by Willie Nelson and John Denver. He spoofed stereotypical country music lyrics co-writing with John Prine "You Never Even Called Me By My Name". It became a Country & Western hit for David Allan Coe. He used his pen to criticize the questionable tactics of a Chicago towing coming with the legendary local classic "Lincoln Park Pirates". Jimmy Buffett was fan of Steve's songs recording several of them including "Banana Republics". He was a huge Cubs fan, writing the overwrought and humorous "A Dying Cubs Fan Last Request". When then general manager Dallas Green complained that the song was too depressing, out of spite he wrote "Go Cubs Go". The song is played after each home victory to this very day. In 1984, he was scheduled to sing the Star Spangled Banner at the opening game of the Cubs first post-season appearance since 1945. Unfortunately, he passed away 4 days before they clinched the division. Jimmy Buffett filled in, dedicating the moment in Steve's honor. In 1988, some of his ashes were scattered at Wrigley Field. Though his only chart appearance was bubbling under for 2 weeks with his original version of "City Of New Orleans", he is a 2 time Grammy award winner. Steve did have a serious side to his music. This one never fails to choke me up a little. My Old Man - Steve Goodman
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Post by 1finemrg on Jul 26, 2016 5:12:32 GMT -5
July 26: ... Mick Jagger. The father, grandfather, and great-grandfather is about to become a father again. For those keeping score at home, that will be 8 children, 5 grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. Surprisingly, his solo career has not been as successful as one would think. He reached the Top 10 with the Jacksons' "State of Shock" and with David Bowie "Dancing In The Street". He topped the charts with an uncredited vocal on Carly Simon's "You're So Vain". "Just Another Night" was his best solo effort, peaking at #12. It's been 51 years, but the Stones first US #1 is still one of the best rock and roll songs of all time. Vocally, it's Mick at his swaggering best. (I Cant Get No) Satisfaction - Rolling StonesMick's been a huge Temptations fan through the years . The Stones have covered "My Girl", "Ain't Too Proud To Beg", and "Just My Imagination" to name a few. He also contributed vocals to this lost 70s classic cover of a Temptations "B" side. (You've Got To Walk And) Don't Look Back - Peter Tosh with Mick JaggerJuly 26: ...Darlene Love. On film she's best known as Trish Murtaugh, Danny Glover's wife in the "Lethal Weapon" movies. From 1986 until last year, she performed her signature song "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" on David Letterman's last show before Christmas each year except 2007 (writer's strike). Bette Midler gave her induction speech into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2011. Under trying times, she worked with Phil Spector to put out a treasure trove of memorable music. Under her name she reached the Top 40 twice, the #26 "Wait 'Til My Bobby Gets Home" and the #39 "Today I Met The Boy I'm Gonna Marry" both from 1963. She was also a member of the Blossoms. Though they only bubbled under once ("Good Good Lovin" #115, 1967), they were in-demand session vocalists backing up everyone from Johnny Rivers ("Poor Side of Town") to Frank Sinatra ("That's Life"). They also released an early version of "Stoney End", four years before Barbara Streisand took it into the Top 10. She reached the Top 10 as a member of Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans with "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah". Their "Why Do Lovers Break Each Other's Heart" also reached the Top 40. After learning that Vikki Carr had covered a Gene Pitney tune, Phil Spector rushed the Blossoms into the studio to record their own version. He had wanted the Crystals to record the tune, but they were on an east coast tour. When the single was released, Phil had the song credited as by the Crystals. It became a #1 hit, ironically preventing Gene Pitney's biggest hit "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" from reaching the top. He's A Rebel - Crystals (Blossoms)
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Post by 1finemrg on Jul 27, 2016 5:43:16 GMT -5
July 27: ... David Muse. At the invitation of band member Rick Roberts, David joined Firefall in time to record their eponymous debut album released in 1976. Atlantic wouldn't allow David to be listed as a member, so he was credited as an additional musician. A multi-instrumentalist, David added color to many of the band's hits with his performance on flute, Moog synthesizer, keyboards, or saxophone. David was with the band until their initial breakup in 1981 and has been a part of many reunions through the years. He rejoined the band in 2011 and currently is a full time member. He was with the Marshall Tucker Band for several years around the turn of the century. David's flute is a highlight of Firefall's first Top 40 hit. You Are The Wonan - FirefallLoved their first single, a #42 lost 70s classic featuring David on saxophone. Livin' Ain't Livin' - FirefallJuly 27: ...Harvey Fuqua. In the 1950s, Harvey founded the Moonglows. The doo-wop group made the Top 10 six times on the R&B charts including the #1 single "Sincerely". They also helped launch Marvin Gaye's career when in 1957 the Marquees were hired to be the new version of the group renamed Harvey & The Moonglows. Marvin was a member of the Marquees at the time. The Moonglows were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2000. In the early 60s, Harvey and Etta James recorded a series of duets. "If I Can't Have You" was the most successful (#52 Hot 100/#6 R&B). He joined Anna records and introduced Marvin Gaye to Berry Gordy. He also started the Tri-Phi and Harvey record labels. After marrying Anna Gordy's sister Gwen, he eventually joined Motown as head of Artist Development and producer. Acts suck as Junior Walker, Shorty Long and the Spinners were bought into Motown as well. He bought Tammi Terrell to Motown, suggesting she be paired with Marvin Gaye for a series of duets including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "Your Precious Love" and producing the sessions. He left Motown in the early 70s, and later became Smokey Robinson's road manager. He also discovered disco artists Sylvester and Two Tons O' Fun who eventually became the Weather Girls. He also co-wrote "K-Jee", a Top 40 instrumental recorded by the Nite-Liters. A cover by MFSB would be included on the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack. In the early 80s, he reunited with Marvin Gaye and produced his "Midnight Love" album which included the Grammy award winning "Sexual Healing". On the Anna label in the early sixties, Harvey and his then-wife Gwen distributed what is considered the first Motown hit. Money (That's What I Want) - Barrett Strong
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