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Post by 1finemrg on Jul 28, 2016 5:40:56 GMT -5
July 28: ... Simon Kirke. He was the drummer for Free. After the band's breakup in 1973, Simon joined Free member Paul Rodgers, Boz Burrell from King Crimson, and Mick Ralphs from Mott The Hoople forming Bad Company. Simon is the only member of Bad Company to appear in all versions of the band. Bad Company has been touring the US with Joe Walsh this summer. Among his other projects include three tours with Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band, a couple of solo efforts, and a governor on the board of NARAS (Grammy award committee). From Free's final album "Heartbreaker" he drummed on one of the band's signature songs, a UK Top 10 hit. Wishing Well - FreeA lost 70s classic, never understood why the title track from Bad Company's fourth album only peaked at #78. Victim of the disco era perhaps? Burnin' Sky - Bad CompanyJuly 28: ...Jonathan Edwards. At Ohio University as a teen, he began to perform rock, folk, and blues at local clubs. He left school in the late sixties and relocated to Boston. Eventually his band then known as Sugar Creek released one album for Metromedia Records. He went solo in the early 70s, doing impromptu performances around New England colleges on weekends. He began to grow a grass roots following opening for the likes of the Allman Brothers and B. B. King. He eventually signed with Capricorn records, and would become a one hit wonder with the release of the #4 single "Sunshine" from his self-titled debut album. "Sunshine" was added to the album after an engineer lost the track "Please Find Me" accidentally erasing it. He would go on to continually release music through the years. In the mid-seventies he backed Emmylou Harris on her "Elite Hotel" album. He learned he was popular in the Netherlands and would occasionally tour there. A 1994 "Back To The Future" tour featured Jonathan along with Don McLean, Tom Rush, Steve Forbert, Al Stewart, and Jesse Colin Young. Some of his mid-80s output included the album "Blue Ridge" with the bluegrass band the Seldom Scene and a children's album "Little Hands". He continues to tour currently solo. In September, he will be performing a series of gigs in the Northeastern US with Marshall Crenshaw and Garland Jeffreys. It's back to basics with this great track from his debut album. Shanty - Jonathan Edwards
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Post by 1finemrg on Jul 29, 2016 5:24:52 GMT -5
July 29: ... Neal Doughty. He was a founding member of REO Speedwagon in 1967, and he is the only one who has been with all versions of the band. They are currently on tour with Def Leppard and Tesla, and will hook up with Status Quo for a UK tour at the end of the year. This REO lost 70s classic features Neal on an organ solo. Peaked at #58 in 1978. Roll With The Changes - REO SpeedwagonNeal's signature Moog synthesizer kicks off this title track to the band's third album. We'll go with the studio version, featuring Mike Murphy (who replaced Kevin Cronin for 3 albums) on lead vocals. Ridin' The Storm Out - REO SpeedwagonJuly 29: ...Geddy Lee He's the bassist, keyboardist, and lead vocalist behind the legendary Rush. For all the awards and platitudes the band has deservedly received through the years (including finally being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2014), they're a one-hit wonder in the US. "New World Man" reached #21 in 1982. Getty Lee also provided vocals (featured) to the one-hit wonder duo of Bob & Doug McKenzie. Their "Take Off" peaked at #16 in early 1982. What could be their final full-blown tour finishes this Saturday night at the Los Angeles Forum. This 1980 single peaked at #51, but the song was voted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. The Spirit Of Radio - Rush
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Post by 1finemrg on Jul 30, 2016 6:02:46 GMT -5
July 30: … David Sanborn. Although the six time Grammy award winner is best known in the jazz music genre, the saxophonist has made his mark in blues and rock music as well. He was a part of the horn section that backed Paul Butterfield in the late 60s and early 70s, including his appearance at Woodstock. As a teen, he worked with blues greats Albert King and Little Milton. In rock, he has appeared as a session musician on many essential classic rock albums. A short list would include Billy Joel’s “An Innocent Man”, the Eagles’ “The Long Run”, and Stevie Wonder’s “Talking Book”. He continues to be active on the concert circuit, currently touring with Dave Koz. He joins Clarence Clemons and Michael Brecker forming a sax trio on this anthem. Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out – Bruce SpringsteenHis sax solo is one of the highlights of this Top 40 hit. Young Americans – David BowieJuly 30: ...blues legend Buddy Guy. He moved to Chicago in 1957, and immediately became influenced by the music of Muddy Waters. Eventually he joined Chess Records, and developed a relationship that could best be described as tenuous. Buddy's style did not deviate much from his well-received live shows, and Leonard Chess refused to record him in this manner calling it "noise". They tried to record him in a number of styles from novelty to jazz. The single "Stone Crazy" made the Top 20 on the R & B charts in the early 60s. His main job with Chess was as a session guitarist backing the likes of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Koko Taylor. His career took off in the late 80s sparked by Eric Clapton's request that he be included in the "24 Nights" all-star blues lineup. He subsequently signed with Silvertone records. He's a multiple Grammy winner inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2005. He also owns the Chicago blues club "Buddy Guy's Legends". Jimi Hendrix once said, "Heaven is lying at Buddy Guy’s feet while listening to him play guitar." From 1991: As far as blues goes, Buddy Guy owns them. D a m n Right, I Got The Blues - Buddy Guy
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Post by 1finemrg on Jul 31, 2016 6:20:05 GMT -5
July 31: … Bill Berry Former drummer for R.E.M., Bill suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm in 1995. He recovered and continued his tenure with the band until late 1997 when he retired. He took up farming, and owns a hay farm near Athens, GA at last report. He is also an avid golfer, and has made occasional appearances with R.E.M. through the years. He was inducted with the band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, their first year of eligibility. In spite of not being released as a single, the band topped the Mainstream and Modern Rock Tracks with this classic. Orange Crush - R.E.M.They covered a late 60s "B" side by one hit wonder band The Clique for this album track. Market the debut of Mike Mills on lead vocals. Superman - R.E.M.July 31: ...Jerry's kid, Gary Lewis. Also John R. West, Cordovox (electric accordion) for Gary's band, The Playboys They started as Gary and The Playboys and earned an ongoing gig at Disneyland. Bandleader Les Brown was good friends with Jerry and alerted record producer Snuff Garrett. Snuff suggested that Gary use his last name, believing the connection to Gary's father would help to sell more records. For recording sessions, the band was augmented by members of the Wrecking Crew, the most famous being Leon Russell on piano. For their first single "This Diamond Ring", Snuff made a deal with New York disk jockey "Murray The K" Kaufman for airplay in exchange for appearances at his local concerts. Meanwhile, through Jerry they secured an appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. The combination proved to be very successful and "This Diamond Ring" would top the US charts. Their next six singles would also reach the Top 10, a feat only matched by the Lovin' S p o o n ful during the 60s. The band began losing momentum toward the end of 1966 and Gary was drafted into the Army in early 1967. Previously recorded songs were released during his absence, but they never reached the Top 10 after their first 7 singles. 5 more singles reached the top 40 and an additional 3 reached the Hot 100. A cover of Bryan Hyland's "Sealed With A Kiss" would reach the Top 20 upon Gary's discharge in 1968. Gary has continued touring as part of the oldies circuit and appeared on several of his father's telethons through the years. Co-written with Al Capps, Snuff Garrett, and Leon Russell, this one was the fifth of the 7 consecutive Top 10 singles, peaking at #3. Lip-synching bass vocal courtesy of birthday boy John R. West. She's Just My Style - Gary Lewis & The Playboys
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Post by dukelightning on Jul 31, 2016 16:37:12 GMT -5
July 30: … David Sanborn. Although the six time Grammy award winner is best known in the jazz music genre, the saxophonist has made his mark in blues and rock music as well. He was a part of the horn section that backed Paul Butterfield in the late 60s and early 70s, including his appearance at Woodstock. As a teen, he worked with blues greats Albert King and Little Milton. In rock, he has appeared as a session musician on many essential classic rock albums. A short list would include Billy Joel’s “An Innocent Man”, the Eagles’ “The Long Run”, and Stevie Wonder’s “Talking Book”. He continues to be active on the concert circuit, currently touring with Dave Koz. He joins Clarence Clemons and Michael Brecker forming a sax trio on this anthem. Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out – Bruce SpringsteenHis sax solo is one of the highlights of this Top 40 hit. Young Americans – David BowieJuly 30: ...blues legend Buddy Guy. He moved to Chicago in 1957, and immediately became influenced by the music of Muddy Waters. Eventually he joined Chess Records, and developed a relationship that could best be described as tenuous. Buddy's style did not deviate much from his well-received live shows, and Leonard Chess refused to record him in this manner calling it "noise". They tried to record him in a number of styles from novelty to jazz. The single "Stone Crazy" made the Top 20 on the R & B charts in the early 60s. His main job with Chess was as a session guitarist backing the likes of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Koko Taylor. His career took off in the late 80s sparked by Eric Clapton's request that he be included in the "24 Nights" all-star blues lineup. He subsequently signed with Silvertone records. He's a multiple Grammy winner inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2005. He also owns the Chicago blues club "Buddy Guy's Legends". Jimi Hendrix once said, "Heaven is lying at Buddy Guy’s feet while listening to him play guitar." From 1991: As far as blues goes, Buddy Guy owns them. D a m n Right, I Got The Blues - Buddy GuySweet Baby James as Casey said in the intro to "How Sweet it is to be loved by You" is another artist. In the outro to that song on the 7/26/75 show, Casey said that 'the sax you hear in that song is by session musician David Sanborn'.
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Post by 1finemrg on Aug 1, 2016 5:46:17 GMT -5
August 1: ... Denis Payton. Celebrating the saxophonist for the Dave Clark Five's birthday with a pair from the "Five Headed Noise Machine". Their first UK #1 was their first hit in the US, peaking at #6. Glad All Over - Dave Clark FiveHis harmonica solo is a highlight of this #4 hit. Catch Us If You Can - Dave Clark FiveAugust 1: ...Jerry Garcia, co-founder of the Grateful Dead. In addition to being a Dead member for the entire 30 year tenure, he also founded and/or participated in several side projects including the Jerry Garcia Band, Old And In The Way, and the New Riders Of The Purple Sage. He also was a session guitarist on Brewer & Shipley's "Tarkio" album, Jefferson Airplane's "Surrealistic Pillow" and "Volunteers" albums, and several Bruce Hornsby albums. This included the 1990 Top 20 single "Across The River" with Bruce Hornsby and the Range. His steel guitar was also featured on a song that was on the first American Top 40 program. The flip "Carry On" was this week's featured "B" side classic. Teach Your Children - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
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Post by 1finemrg on Aug 2, 2016 5:39:56 GMT -5
August 2: ... Andrew Gold. Best known for his top 10 hit "Lonely Boy", Andrew made even a larger impression working as a session musician and producer. He played most of the instruments and was the arranger on five of Linda Ronstadt's essential albums of the seventies including her commercial breakthrough "Heart Like A Wheel" and her #1 single "You're No Good". He served in the same capacity for Art Garfunkel on his "Breakaway" album, including his #1 UK cover of the Flamingos' "I Only Have Eyes For You" (#18 US). He also worked with Eric Carmen, playing guitar on his Top 40 hit "She Did It". Other artists who benefitted from Andrew's work included Bette Midler, Cher, Don Henley, and James Taylor. In the 80s, Andrew paired with 10cc's Graham Gouldman forming the duo Wax. Although the duo just missed the Top 40 in the US with "Right Between The Eyes", they proved to be popular in the UK and Europe releasing four albums. Andrew's mom Marni Nixon (RIP 7/24/16) provided the singing voices for some of the most acclaimed musicals in movie history. Natalie Wood in "West Side Story", Deborah Kerr in "The King And I", and Audrey Hepburn in "My Fair Lady" are among her crowning achievements. His father Ernest won an Oscar for his score to the movie "Exodus". Andrew left us way too young, passing away in his sleep in 2011 from heart failure two months short of his 60th birthday. His other Top 40 US hit is the oft-requested "Long Distance Dedication" that also served as the theme to the TV show "Golden Girls". It peaked at #25 in 1978. Thank You For Being A Friend - Andrew GoldIn the UK, he peaked at #5 (#67 US) with this tune. It features uncredited harmony vocals from Freddie Mercury. Never Let Her Slip Away - Andrew GoldHe also sang the original version to the TV theme of "Mad About You". His version was used as the wake-up call for the Mars Pathfinder space probe in 1996. The Final Frontier - Andrew Gold August 2: ...Garth Hudson. Garth's expertise on the piano, keyboards, saxophone, and even accordion anchored the Band's unique sound. He has been considered one of the top keyboardists of the Rock era. Dozens of artists cite him as a major influence including Elton John. He has been in heavy demand through the years for his session work. Neil Diamond, B. B. King, Joe Walsh, and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are four of the dozens of artists whose liner notes list Garth as a participant. From the Band's debut album "Music From Big Pink", Garth is behind the wheel for this haunting tune. A very good cover by Three Dog Night appears on their debut album and is also a "B" side of their first Top 10 single "One". Chest Fever - The Band
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Post by 1finemrg on Aug 2, 2016 22:38:45 GMT -5
August 3: ... B. B. Dickerson. Bassist and vocalist with War during their hit-making years, B. B. has toured in recent years with other ex-War members as the Low Rider Band. Speaking of which, his bass line is one of the driving forces behind this #7 classic. Low Rider - WarIn 1971, it was the band's first Top 40 hit after separating from Eric Burdon. It was also the "B" side to their last Top 10 hit "Summer" 5 years later. All Day Music - WarAugust 3: ...living legend Tony Bennett, 89 years young. Hard to believe that his signature song was originally a "B" side to "Once Upon A Time", and it only reached #19 on the Hot 100. It won the Grammy for record of the year. Had a good memory associated with this song my last night in college in the mid-70s. I Left My Heart In San Francisco - Tony Bennett
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Post by 1finemrg on Aug 4, 2016 5:46:21 GMT -5
August 4: ...Louis Armstrong (would have been 115 today). In the midst of Beatlemania, it was Satchmo's "Hello, Dolly!" that broke the 14 week streak of the Beatles in the #1 position. The song was first sung by Carol Channing who played Dolly Gallagher in the original Broadway cast. Louie's version followed soon thereafter. At 63, he became the oldest artist to have a #1 song in the rock era. "Hello, Dolly!" would be the #3 song of 1964 and he earned a Grammy for Song of the Year. Louie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an early influence. He passed away in 1971 at the age of 69. Celebrating his life with his #1 hit... Hello, Dolly! - Louis Armstrong...and from 1968 this song that bubbled under in the US but topped the UK charts. Twenty years later, it would become a Top 40 hit due to its inclusion in the film "Good Morning, Vietnam". What A Wonderful World - Louis ArmstrongAugust 4: ... Larry Knechtel. He was a member of Duane Eddy's group the Rebels in the late 50s/early 60s. He became a member of the Wrecking Crew during the sixties, working as a pianist helping to create Phil Spector's wall of sound. He earned a Grammy with his stunning piano performance on Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water". He also was the piano player on Johnny Rivers' version of "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu" In addition to piano, Larry also played bass guitar and harmonica appearing on the Byrds' "Mr Tambourine Man", Barbara Streisand's "Stoney End", and Elvis Presley's "If I Can Dream". He also worked with the Doors. In later years, he toured with the Dixie Chicks and Elvis Costello and contributed to albums by Neil Diamond. He also released 2 solo albums in the early 90s. He was a member of Bread, joining them in 1971 and contributing the guitar solo to this classic hit. The Guitar Man - Bread
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Post by 1finemrg on Aug 5, 2016 5:51:27 GMT -5
August 5: ... Adam Yauch. The Beastie Boys member known as MCA left us far too soon, passing away in 2012 at the age of 47. Although he couldn't attend due to his battle with cancer, the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame shortly before his death. Out of respect to Adam, the two surviving members decided to retire the group. For the many videos he directed, he usually assumed the pseudonym Nathanial Hornblower. The Beastie Boys started as a punk band before finding fame in the hip-hop/rap rock genre. With MCA as bassist, the band became the largest selling rap group since Billboard began recording sales data in 1991 with an estimated 50 million units sold world wide. "Licensed To Ill" became the first rap album to top the Billboard charts, and they released seven albums that went at least platinum between 1986 and 2004. It was their highest charting hit on the Hot 100 reaching #7 in 1987. (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party) - Beastie BoysThey released the sequel video 25 years later with Seth Rogen (Mike D.), Danny McBride (MCA), and Elijah Wood (Ad-Rock) portraying the Boys respectively. The video was directed by Adam Yauch, and the song peaked at #7 on the US Alternative Songs chart in 2011. Make Some Noise - Beastie BoysAugust 5: ...Rick Derringer. Ricky Dean Zehringer started the McCoys with his brother Randy, the name being inspired by the Ventures song "The Real McCoy". The band signed with Bang records and he changed his stage name to Rick Derringer. The Bang loco depicting a picture of a Derringer pistol inspired the name change. The band reached the top of the charts in 1965 with a cover of the Vibrations Top 40 hit "My Girl Sloopy". Retitled "Hang On Sloopy", it was one of three Top 40 hits for the band. A cover of Little Willie John's "Fever" reached the Top 10 (as did Peggy Lee's version in the 50s), and they hit #22 with Ritchie Valens' "Come On, Let's Go". They would place an additional six singles in the Hot 100 before breaking up in 1970. Rick spent the 1970s doing session guitar work and producing albums. His guitar work can be found on Alice Cooper's "Under My Wheels" and albums by Steely Dan and Todd Rundgren. In 1973, he released a successful solo album "All-American Boy" and had his only Top 40 solo hit with "Rock And Roll, Hootchie Koo". The follow up "Teenage Love Affair", and a reggae-inspired cover of "Hang On Sloopy" also reached the Hot 100. In the 80s he produced and played on several Weird Al Yankovic albums earning a Grammy award in the process. He was a guest on the Kiss "Lick It Up" album and Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors" and also toured with Cyndi. He continues to release his own music. Recently, he has toured with Ringo Starr as a member of his All Starr Band. Some of his most prolific work in the early 70s was writing, producing and playing on albums by Edgar and Johnny Winter including these two classics. Rock And Roll, Hootchie Koo - Johnny Winter And... Keep Playin' That Rock And Roll - Edgar Winter's White Trash
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Post by 1finemrg on Aug 6, 2016 6:27:39 GMT -5
August 6: ... Andy Warhol. The avant-garde pop artist made his mark in the mid-sixties managing and producing the Velvet Underground featuring Lou Reed. Though the album released "The Velvet Underground & Nico" was initially a commercial failure, time has proven it to be an essential piece of work. It consistently ranks among the best on critics all-time lists and was added to the National Recording Registry in the Library of Congress in 2006. The cover for the album, a picture of a banana defines the essence of his artwork. With a career rooted in magazine illustration and advertising, Andy took it to the next phase creating art from what would become everyday objects. Not everyone can sell a painting of a Campbell's tomato soup can as Andy did for $1,500 in the mid-sixties. Like his work or not, it served the purpose of turning the masses' attention to the art world and creating controversy by questioning what actually constitutes art. Among other achievements, Andy is credited for coining the phrase "15 minutes of fame". Upon his death in 1987, his will stated that the majority of his estate would go to creating a foundation dedicated to the advancement of the arts. It took Sotheby's 9 days to auction off his work which netted approximately $20 million dollars. Recent auctions containing his work have netted as much as nine figures. His "Silver Car Crash" sold for $105.4 million in 2013. Andy famously designed the "zipper" cover for the Rolling Stones "Sticky Fingers" album which contains this great track. Can't You Hear Me Knocking - Rolling StonesAndy's final work was the portrait of Aretha Franklin's that appeared on her 1986 "Aretha" album. One of the singles was this Stones' cover, and her version served as the title track to a Whoopi Goldberg movie. Jumping Jack Flash - Aretha FranklinAlmost forgot Bowie's dedication to the birthday boy. Was the "B" side of "Ch-ch-changes". Speaking of which, time to save these changes. Andy Warhol - David BowieAugust 6: ...Paul Griffin A noted session pianist, Paul performed with hundreds of artists from the 1950s into the 1990s. Some of the highlights include Bob Dylan's "Positively Fourth Street" and "Like A Rolling Stone", B. J. Thomas's "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head", Don McLean's "American Pie", and Steely Dan's "Peg". He also kicks off this R & B classic. Think - Aretha Franklin
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Post by 1finemrg on Aug 7, 2016 6:22:48 GMT -5
August 7: ... Bruce Dickinson. Though they have never reached the Hot 100 on the US singles chart, with Bruce on lead vocals they have reached the Top 10 sixteen times in the UK. They have topped the UK album surveys 5 times including their most recent release "The Book of Souls" in 2015. In spite of lack of mainstream acceptance and very little commercial radio airplay, Iron Maiden has become a heavy metal juggernaut selling millions of albums worldwide including the US. They continue to perform to sold out venues to this very day being celebrated by generations of fans. The majority of albums are critically acclaimed in metal circles and are eagerly anticipated by fans. Bruce recently piloted Ed Force One, the band's plane on the 2016 "Book of Souls" world tour that ended August 4 in Germany. Iron Maiden's first top 10 UK hit reached #7 in 1982. Run To The Hills - Iron MaidenTheir only UK chart-topper occurred in 1990. Bring Your Daughter...to the Slaughter - Iron MaidenAugust 7: ...B. J. Thomas As a teen, Billy Joe Thomas joined the Triumphs during the early 60s gaining notoriety in the Houston area where he was raised. He became friends with Roy "Treat Her Right" Head and the Triumphs and Roy's band, the Traits held several Battle of the Bands events. With the Triumphs, Thomas struck gold covering Hank Williams "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" in 1966. The follow up "Mama" reached the top 40 as well. In the late 60s, he became a mainstay in the Top 40, first with "The Eyes Of A New York Woman". He followed that up with "Hooked On A Feeling" then the Academy Award winning "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head". "Raindrops..." was his first chart topper. Between 1970 and 1972, B. J. placed 6 singles in the Top 40 reaching the Top 10 with "I Just Can't Help Believing". He returned to the top of the Country and Hot 100 charts in 1975 with "(Hey Won't You Play Another) Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song". He would chart in the Top 20 once more in the late 70s with a cover of the Beach Boys' "Don't Worry Baby". He would become a mainstay on the Christian and Country charts in the 80s. He topped the Christian charts in 1980 with "Jesus On My Mind" and twice more on the country charts in 1983 with "Whatever Happened To Old-Fashioned Love" and "New Looks From An Old Lover". He is a 5 time Grammy award winner in the gospel/inspirational performance categories. In 2014, the Bachrach/David penned "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" received the Grammy Hall of Fame award. He continues to record and tour today. His most recent 2013 release was "The Living Room Sessions", a reprise of his hits performed in duets. Some of the artists involved include Keb' Mo', Richard Marx, and Vince Gill. Many of his hits crossed over to the Adult Contemporary charts. This one from 1972 would top the AC charts and reach #15 on the Hot 100. It features Duane Eddy signature lead guitar with the Blossoms and the recently departed "Diamond" Dave Somerville on backing vocals. The song was penned by Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil. Rock And Roll Lullaby - B. J. Thomas
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Post by 1finemrg on Aug 8, 2016 5:37:24 GMT -5
August 8: ... The Edge (Dave Evans). The lead guitarist for U2 also plays keyboards for the band. His guitar playing style is somewhat unique. I have no musical training whatsoever, but to me the sound he creates is like the signature Byrds 12 string Rickenbacker on steroids. It adds a dense and epic flavor to many of their well known songs. One song that does not employ this technique came straight out of the "shave and a haircut" Bo Diddley school of music. It peaked at #3 in 1988 and won a Grammy. Desire - U2His guitar work as well as backing vocals are prevalent on this #1 hit from 1987. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For - U2August 8: ...Yusuf Hazziez aka Joe Tex. It took a while for Joe to chart regularly. After winning four times with his performances at the Apollo, he released over two dozen singles on King and the Motown based Anna label in the 50s and early 60s without success. In 1964, Joe recorded "Hold On To What You Got" at Fame Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL. Buddy Killen who had formed Dial Records released the record against Joe's advice. It became the first of four #1 R & B hits for Joe, and the first of three Top 10 singles on the Hot 100 (#5). Joe charted regularly in the lower regions of the Hot 100 through the sixties. Although his production slowed in the 70s, his highest charting record came in 1972 when "I Gotcha" peaked at #2. He just missed the Top 10 later in the 70s, peaking at #12 with "Ain't Gonna Bump No More (With No Big Fat Woman)". Joe died of a heart attack in 1982, five days after his 47th birthday. One exception to his sixties chart output was this #10 hit from 1967. Skinny Legs And All - Joe Tex
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Post by trekkielo on Aug 8, 2016 22:48:00 GMT -5
August 8: ... The Edge (Dave Evans). The lead guitarist for U2 also plays keyboards for the band. His guitar playing style is somewhat unique. I have no musical training whatsoever, but to me the sound he creates is like the signature Byrds 12 string Rickenbacker on steroids. It adds a dense and epic flavor to many of their well known songs. One song that does not employ this technique came straight out of the "shave and a haircut" Bo Diddley school of music. It peaked at #3 in 1988 and won a Grammy. Desire - U2His guitar work as well as backing vocals are prevalent on this #1 hit from 1987. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For - U2Yeah, Shadoe Stevens had the story about how "Bo Diddley"'s Beat began back in The 1950's leading into Desire at #4 by U2 on AT40 from 11/19/88, then he proceeds to play, "Not Fade Away" by Buddy Holly & The Crickets from 1957 and The Rolling Stones 1964 cover version, "Magic Bus" by The Who in 1968 and "Faith" by George Michael, his recent #1. Also, I've always liked U2's 1987 #1 hit "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"!
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Post by 1finemrg on Aug 9, 2016 5:49:35 GMT -5
August 9: ... Whitney Houston. There wasn't much of a doubt what Whitney was going to be when she grew up. Cissy Houston, a two-time Grammy award winner was her mother. Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick were her cousins and Darlene Love was her godmother. She had a close connection with Aretha Franklin growing up as well. She also would have a successful teen modeling career, gracing the cover of "Seventeen" and appearing in "Glamour" and "Cosmopolitan" magazine layouts as well. Meanwhile her mother was nurturing her singing career, bringing her onstage to perform on occasion and exposing her to influences like Chaka Khan, Roberta Flack, and Gladys Knight. In the late 70s she backed Michael Zager Band on the single "Life's A Party" and provided backing vocals for Lou Rawls and Chaka Khan. Cissy turned down several recording contract offers for Whitney insisting that she must finish high school. She signed with Clive Davis and Arista Records in 1983 and made her TV debut on the "Merv Griffin Show" later that year. She was bought along cautiously by the label, making sure the right music and production was in place before recording. Her first success was in a duet with Teddy Pendergrass. "Hold Me" would go Top 5 on the R&B charts in 1984. Her self-titled 1985 debut album would become the best selling debut of all time spending 14 non-consecutive weeks at #1. Her follow up album "Whitney" marked the first time a woman debuted at #1 on the album charts. She has garnered 7 Grammys and was nominated an astonishing 27 times. Her 10 charting Top 40 solo singles in the 80s all reached the Top 10, including a record setting seven consecutive #1 singles. In the 90s, she charted an additional four #1 singles and 11 Top 10s in all. In 1992, she was set to record a cover of "What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted" for the film "The Bodyguard". When it was discovered that the song was being used in the film "Fried Green Tomatoes", co-star Kevin Costner played for her Linda Ronstadt's version of "I Will Always Love You" written by Dolly Parton. When Dolly learned that the song was being covered, she sent the last verse which was omitted from Linda's version. It would spend a then-record setting 14 weeks at #1, and included the signature a cappella intro that both Whitney and Kevin insisted be kept in the recording. All this success she experienced in music, modeling, and film made it a true tragedy that her majestic voice was silenced in 2012 at the all too young age of 48. George Benson did a wonderful version and had a Top 40 hit with the song that was featured in the Muhammed Ali biopic "The Greatest". All Whitney's cover did was top the Hot 100 for 3 weeks, and take the song up another notch. Greatest Love Of All - Whitney HoustonShe covered another Top 40 hit from the 70s by Chaka Khan and reached #4 in 1993. It was also featured in "The Bodyguard" soundtrack. I'm Every Woman - Whitney HoustonAugust 9: ...Barbara Mason. She scored a national hit in 1965 when "Yes, I'm Ready" reached #5 and peaked at #2 on the R & B chart. In 1980, the song would become an even bigger hit for Teri DeSario and KC spending 2 weeks in the #2 position. The follow-up "Sad Sad Girl" was a Top 40 hit, and she would score an additional 6 Hot 100 hits between 1965 and 1972 as well as several non-charters. She toughened up her sound when she signed with Buddha Records and would score 2 more Top 40 hits. A Curtis Mayfield cover of "Give Me Your Love", produced by Curtis would reach #31 in 1972. She occasionally performs and released a CD "Feeling Blue" in 2007. The other Top 40 hit was an answer song to Shirley Brown's "Woman To Woman". It would peak at #28 in 1974, and reach #3 R&B. From His Woman To You - Barbara Mason
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