|
Post by 1finemrg on Aug 10, 2016 5:27:35 GMT -5
August 10: ... whoa-oh-oh-oh ... Ronnie Spector. Known as the original bad girl of rock and roll, she earned a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction as lead singer of the Ronettes. Under the controlling thumb of Phil Spector and his Wall of Sound, the group created memorable standards. They were the only girl group to open for the Beatles. Surprisingly, they only had one Top 20 hit in their career. It appeared to be by design as Phil did not want the group or Ronnie to outgrow him in popularity. They were the first to record "Chapel Of Love" but in spite of their pleadings, Phil refused to release it as a single. It would eventually top the charts for the Dixie Cups. Phil's possessive love for Ronnie resulted in a 6 year tumultuous marriage from 1968 to 1974. Ronnie would have some minor success as a solo artist, and come to the forefront in the mid-80s being featured on Eddie Money's Top 5 hit "Take Me Home Tonight". She still performs on occasion. She has 2016 fall dates for a cruise in late October and a suburban Chicago concert at the end of November. The group's only Top 20 hit just missed reaching #1 peaking one notch short. Be My Baby - RonettesSessions at Apple Records turned in this memorable Hot 100 solo single in the early 70s from the pen of George Harrison. Try Some, Buy Some - Ronnie SpectorBilly Joel wrote this song with the Ronettes' "Be My Baby" in mind. Originally an album track, a live version became a Top 20 hit in 1981. Ronnie released her version backed by the E Street Band in 1977. Say Goodbye To Hollywood - Ronnie Spector & the E Street BandAugust 10: ...Ian Anderson. Besides his talent, the multi-instrumentalist leader of Jethro Tull is best known visually for his one-legged stance assumed while playing the flute. The band, probably best known for their best selling "Aqualung", actually topped the album charts twice with "Thick As A Brick" and "A Passion Play". On the Hot 100, they charted twice in the Top 40, just missing the Top 10 both times. "Living In The Past" peaked at #11 and "Bungle In The Jungle" stumbled its way up to #12. After years of constantly changing personnel, Ian decided to retire the band name in 2014. He said that the band concept ended several years before. Since he was the composer of the majority of the band's output since its inception, he wished that future releases be in his name. Saw the last version of the band perform the "Aqualung" album live about 4 years ago. A fascinating show, Ian still possesses the magnetic stage persona that has been his signature through the years. We'll feature a Johann Sebastian Bach instrumental from their "Stand Up" album. The band wasn't satisfied with any of the takes recorded, so the final version was spliced together with Ian adding a few finishing touches. Bouree - Jethro Tull
|
|
|
Post by 1finemrg on Aug 11, 2016 5:39:37 GMT -5
August 11: ... Joe Jackson. A chameleon in the world of contemporary music, Joe has stepped in and out of musical genres effortlessly throughout his career. He first gained public attention as a new wave artist, and had additional success as a jazz-pop artist. As his career grew, he moved to classical music before touring with Todd Rundgren and a string quartet in the mid-2000s He has reached the Top 40 four times, and his only Top 10 single "Steppin' Out" came from his #4 album "Night And Day" released in 1982. He currently resides in Berlin, but recently completed a tour in support of his 2015 release "Fast Forward" with a gig at the Apollo Theater last month. His first Top 40 hit just missed the Top 20, peaking at #21 in 1979. Is She Really Going Out With Him? - Joe JacksonThe follow up to "Steppin' Out" is a great record reminiscent of Badfinger's "Day After Day". It peaked at #18 in 1983. Breaking Us In Two - Joe JacksonAugust 11: ...Eric Carmen. The Raspberries were created from the ashes of two popular Cleveland area bands, The Choir and Cyrus Erie. Citing The Who as a major influence, they burst onto the scene in 1972 with the power-pop classic "Go All The Way". It reached #5 and proved to be their only Top 10 hit. They hit the Hot 100 only seven times, of which 4 reached the Top 40. After their third album, continuing tension caused the band to split. Eric and Wally Bryson formed a new version of the band with two new members to record their final album "Starting Over". It proved to be their swan song. Eric moved on to a successful career as a solo artist, just missing the top of the charts with "All By Myself". He would reach the Top 40 four more times in the 70s with classics such as "She Did It", Never Gonna Fall In Love Again", "Sunrise", and "Change Of Heart". He left the music industry in the early 80s, but reappeared in 1985 with the Top 40 hit "I Wanna Hear It From Your Lips". In 1987, he would reach the Top 10, peaking at #4 with "Hungry Eyes" from the movie "Dirty Dancing". He would do one notch better the following year with the fifties/sixties-influenced "Make Me Lose Control". He co-wrote "Make Me Lose Control" with Dean Pitchford. They had success earlier in the decade co-writing "Almost Paradise", the Ann Wilson/Mike Reno ballad from "Footloose". Eric also wrote "That's Rock And Roll" and "Hey Deanie", two songs that were Top 10 hits for Shaun Cassidy. In 2000 Eric toured with Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band. In the mid-2000s, the Raspberries were reunited for the opening of the Cleveland House Of Blues. A mini-House of Blues tour followed resulting in the release of the 2007 double CD/DVD "Live On Sunset Strip". From the album "Starting Over", this #18 single ranks just behind my moniker on my favorite all-time songs list. "And if the program director don't pull it, then it's bound to get back a bullet". Overnight Sensation (Hit Record) - Raspberries
|
|
|
Post by 1finemrg on Aug 12, 2016 5:21:02 GMT -5
August 12: ... Pat Metheny. A 20 time Grammy award winning jazz guitarist and composer, Pat has performed in every musical combination imaginable. Whether heading the Pat Metheny Group, collaborating with his flugelhorn playing brother Mike, or playing solo or in a side project, Mike's music has been at the forefront of jazz since the mid-70s. Early in May he released 2 albums "The Unity Sessions" and "Cuong Vu Trio Meets Pat Metheny". He will be touring with dates scheduled in Japan and San Francisco during September. His only Top 40 entry was this collaboration in 1985. It was featured in the movie "The Falcon And The Snowman". This Is Not America - Pat Metheny Group and David BowieHe has worked with Joni Mitchell and Bruce Hornsby, and is a fan of James Taylor as evidenced by this track from his 1982 album "Offramp". James - Pat Metheny Group August 12: ...Mark Knopfler. In addition to being the front man and co-founder of Dire Straits, this multi-talented singer/songwriter has produced several film scores including "The Princess Bride". Since Dire Straits disbanded in the mid-90s, he has had a successful solo career. He has also been a producer, session musician, and collaborator with the likes of George Jones and Emmylou Harris. Sending out birthday wishes to this 4 time Grammy award winner with a Dire Straits classic that topped the US Rock charts in 1991. Heavy Fuel - Dire Straits
|
|
|
Post by 1finemrg on Aug 13, 2016 6:32:34 GMT -5
August 13: ... Hughie Thomasson. Hughie joined Lynyrd Skynyrd as guitarist for a 10 year period beginning in the mid-nineties and would write a number of songs for their 2009 album "God & Guns". He is best known as founding member and one of the lead guitarists of the Outlaws. Like Dan Fogelberg's "Souvenirs", the Outlaws self-titled debut album became an essential part of my collection after it was released in 1975. It was a happy day in music collecting when Buddha Records remastered and released the CD around 2000. Hughie was inducted into rock and roll heaven in 2007, passing away in his sleep from a heart attack less than a month after his 55th birthday. He wrote and sang lead on two of the band's best known songs, their first Top 40 hit... There Goes Another Love Song - Outlaws...and this signature album track. Green Grass And High Tides - OutlawsAugust 13: ...Dan Fogelberg. Though he hit his commercial peak in the early 80s with the album "The Innocent Age", it was his second album "Souvenirs" and the follow up "Captured Angel" that left an impression on me. His first Top 40 single "Part Of The Plan" was a wonderful combination of Dan's incredible songwriting skills plus searing guitar work from Joe Walsh who also produced the album. I was really pumped to see him open for the Eagles in 1975 on their "One Of These Nights" tour, but he had to bow out due to laryngitis. Even though a very young Emmylou Harris filled in admirably, the concert was a letdown to me. I did get the opportunity to see him in 1982, and he put on a memorable performance. I really felt a loss when this fellow Illinois native passed away shortly before Christmas in 2007. His 2009 CD "Love In Time" was a wonderful present to fans given by his wife Jean in Dan's memory. From "Souvenirs", a song that figuratively hit home for this out-of-state college student at that time. Illinois - Dan Fogelberg
|
|
|
Post by 1finemrg on Aug 14, 2016 6:03:58 GMT -5
August 14: ... Dash Crofts. Dash met Jim Seals while they were playing in local mid-Texas area bands during the 50s. They played together with Dean Beard in his band the Crew Cats. At Dean's suggestion the three left the band and moved to Los Angeles, joining the post "Tequila" version of the Champs. In the early 60s Dash (with Jim) played in the GCs, a band led by Glen Campbell. The band would last a couple of years. Upon their breakup, Dash went back to Texas but returned to California joining Jim in a band called the Dawnbreakers in the mid-60s. Later in the decade, they decided to break from the group and perform as a duo. They charted with their second album on the TA label late in 1970, but their career took off upon signing with Warner Brothers. Led by the Top 10 albums the #6 "Summer Breeze" and #4 "Diamond Girl", the duo would chart 8 Top 40 singles. All three 45 releases that peaked in the Top 10 reached #6. Dash and his wife Louise raise and breed straight Egyptian Arabian horses on a Texas ranch that traces back to his great-grandfather. He occasionally reunites with Jim Seals for a project, and helps to run their music publishing company. Their last release was "Traces" in 2004. Their daughters Juliet (Seals) and Amelia (Crofts) have performed and released music as part of a trio appropriately known as the Humming Birds. Their first Top 10 single was released 44 years ago this month, and will forever be linked to this season. It was famously covered by the Isley Brothers who took it to the Top 10 on the R&B charts in 1974. Summer Breeze - Seals & CroftsFrom "Diamond Girl", this single just missed the Top 20 peaking at #21. It did reach #2 on the AC chart. We May Never Pass This Way Again - Seals & CroftsAugust 14: ...Larry Graham. He was the bass man for Sly and the Family Stone before leaving in 1972. He formed Graham Central Station and they would have a string of R&B hits during the remainder of the 70s. Their most successful "Your Love" topped the R&B charts and peaked at #36 on the Hot 100. The band broke up at the end of the decade, and Larry would have a successful solo career led by the #1 R&B hit "One In A Million You". It would cross over to the Hot 100, peaking at #9 in 1980. His distinctive bass vocals also graced the R&B Top 10 hits "When We Get Married" and "Just Be My Lady". For all the success he had, it was his inventive playing on the bass guitar that was his trademark. From the self-titled Graham Central Station debut, this track is a great example of his handiwork. Hair - Graham Central Station
|
|
|
Post by 1finemrg on Aug 15, 2016 5:32:58 GMT -5
August 15: ... Tom Johnston. He is a founding member and lead guitarist with the Doobie Brothers. He also contributes lead vocals and wrote many of their signature hits like "Listen To The Music", "Long Train Runnin'" and "China Grove". Before touring in support of their 1975 album "Stampede", Johnston was hospitalized with a bleeding ulcer. Michael McDonald was bought in as an emergency replacement. Tom return the following year for a brief period but had to leave a second time due to exhaustion. With Michael firmly ensconced as lead vocalist and a difference in musical direction, Tom officially left the band in 1977. He would have a successful solo career releasing a pair of albums and having a Top 40 hit with "Savannah Nights" (#34, 1980). He contributed the song "Where Are You Tonight" to the "Dirty Dancing" soundtrack. In 1982, Tom rejoined the Doobies for a Farewell Tour Concert, and 1987 when the band reunited for a concert to benefit the National Veterans Foundation. This led to the permanent reuniting of the band with Tom assuming his previous roles. He has written many of the tracks for their subsequent releases including their last Top 10 single "The Doctor" from "Cycles", and a reworking of their first single "Nobody" from their last release "World Gone Crazy". The Doobie Brothers with Tom are touring the US this summer with Journey and Dave Mason. Two of my favorites from the pen of Tom Johnston which feature his lead vocals are this great track from "Toulouse Street"... Rockin' Down The Highway - Doobie Brothers... and the track that kicks off "The Captain And Me". Natural Thing - Doobie BrothersAugust 15: ...Jimmy Webb. He's the chairman of the Songwriters Hall Of Fame, and the only artist to ever receive Grammy awards for music, lyrics, and orchestration. The first record he bought was Glen Campbell's first Hot 100 hit "Turn Around, Look At Me". It foreshadowed what was to come. Motown records signed Jimmy to a songwriting contract in the mid-sixties and he wrote "My Christmas Tree" for the Supremes 1965 "Merry Christmas" album. In 1966, Johnny Rivers signed him to a publishing deal. He wrote several songs for the Fifth Dimension's debut album, a new group Johnny was producing. Johnny also recorded Jimmy's song "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" for his album "Changes". It all came together for Jimmy in 1967. Glen Campbell covered "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" and the Fifth Dimension reached the Top 10 with "Up, Up and Away". The two songs combined to win 8 Grammy awards at the 1968 ceremonies. "The Worst That Could Happen" originally recorded by the Fifth Dimension, became a Top 10 hit for the Brooklyn Bridge. The Fifth Dimension would have Top 40 hits with Jimmy's "Paper Cup" and "Carpet Man". He formed a publishing company Canopy Records. His first project was an unlikely combination with actor Richard Harris. He recorded "MacArthur Park", a song rejected by the Association. In spite of the song's 7:21 length, it would reach #2 on the Hot 100 and earn one of 3 Grammy awards in 1969 for Jimmy. During the 70s, Webb released several critically acclaimed albums, but his career as a performer though noteworthy paled in comparison. Donna Summer would top the Hot 100 for 3 weeks with her version of "MacArthur Park", and Waylon Jennings would win a Grammy for his version. He continued to have success writing for Art Garfunkel, Linda Ronstadt, and Thelma Houston among many others in the 70s and 80s. He also branched out into writing classical music, film scores, TV series music, and Broadway. He continues writing and performing today. When they first met, Glen Campbell allegedly told Jimmy to "get a haircut". Most recently he has spent time with Glen as he copes with his health issues. Their early careers grew together by leaps and bounds, with Glen being the commercial voice for Jimmy's legendary songs. Wichita Lineman - Glen Campbell
|
|
|
Post by 1finemrg on Aug 16, 2016 5:36:30 GMT -5
August 16: ... Madonna. It's her golden birthday (born 1958, turns 58 today). The Billboard records she holds are amazing. She has topped various Billboard charts 157 times. Her 45 #1 singles on the Billboard Club Dance Songs are the most for an artist on any chart. She passed Elvis in 2008 with her 37th Top 10 hit on the Hot 100, and in 2012 she scored her 38th with "Give Me All Your Luvin'". She and Whitney Houston shared the most #1 singles by a female artist in the 80s with 7, and Madonna was the best selling physical singles artist of the 2000s. She has passed the 100 million singles sold world wide. All 13 of her studio albums reached the Top 10, with 8 peaking at #1. Her three soundtrack albums and all but 1 of her compilation albums reached the Top 10 as well. With over 30 million units sold, "The Immaculate Collection" is the best selling compilation album by a solo artist. The Guinness Book of World Records recognizes Madonna as the best-selling female recording artist of all time with over 300 million units sold. It all began with her #3 dance hit from 1982. Everybody - MadonnaThis was her last Top 10 of the 90s, a great single that peaked at #5 in 1998. Ray Of Light - MadonnaAugust 16: ...Gary Loizzo. Originally known as Gary And The Knight Lites, a name change to the American Breed resulted in the 1968 Top 10 smash "Bend Me, Shape Me" featuring Gary on lead vocals. It was originally recorded by the Outsiders and appeared as a track on their album "The Outsiders In". The co-writer of the tune, Scott English would reach the Hot 100 in the early 70s with "Brandy". It wasn't the song that became a #1 hit for the Looking Glass, but a cover of this tune with a title change to "Mandy" would top the Hot 100 for Barry Manilow. The American Breed would hit the Top 40 with "Green Light" and several of their follow-up singles would chart on the lower rungs of the Hot 100. The band would break up in 1969. Some of the members would eventually team up with Yvette Stevens who was by then known as Chaka Khan and form Rufus. Gary opened the Pumpkin Production Studios in the early 70s. Through the years, he became a twice Grammy-nominated engineer for his work on several Styx albums including "Cornerstone" and "Paradise Theatre". He also engineered what can be considered REO Speedwagon's breakthrough album "You Can Tune A Piano But You Can't Tuna Fish" and Survivor's first Top 40 hit "Poor Man's Son", as well as solo efforts from Dennis DeYoung. Though "Bend Me, Shape Me" was their largest hit, it was the American Breed's second Top 40 single. Their first one reached #24 about six months previously. Step Out Of Your Mind - American Breed
|
|
|
Post by 1finemrg on Aug 17, 2016 5:41:17 GMT -5
August 17: ... Eric Johnson. The guitar virtuoso will be celebrating his birthday in San Antonio, performing with Chris Maresh and Brannen Temple. The tour will continue through the remainder of the month. He will wrap up 2016 with an acoustic tour beginning in October. He hit his commercial peak in the early 90s with his solo effort "Ah Via Musicom". The album produced three Top 10 releases on the Mainstream Rock Charts including this Grammy-award winning instrumental... Cliffs Of Dover - Eric Johnson...and this one which peaked at #7. Trademark - Eric JohnsonAugust 17: ...Steve Gorman. Steve joined Mr. Crowe's Garden in 1987 as their drummer. The band changed their name to The Black Crowes and were signed by Def American records in 1989. Their first album "Shake Your Money Maker" was released in 1990, achieving multi-platinum status. The follow up "The Southern Harmony And Musical Companion" debuted at #1 in 1992. As hair metal bands faded and grunge took center stage during this time period, they were one of the torch bearers for great rock songs influenced by the blues. They were mainstays on the US Mainstream Rock Track chars, racking up 17 Top 10 singles with 6 peaking at #1. Hopefully, the Robinson brothers can resolve their differences and the band can reunite in the near future. Also hope that the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame will recognize their contributions with a nomination and induction in their first year of eligibility. Steve lays down the beat on their first Hot 100 single. It peaked at #75 on the Hot 100, and #5 on Mainstream Rock Tracks. Jealous Again - The Black Crowes
|
|
|
Post by 1finemrg on Aug 18, 2016 5:34:01 GMT -5
August 18: ... Dennis Elliott. Dennis was the drummer for Foreigner from their incarnation until his departure in 1993. After his departure, he became a sculptor working in wood. He has guested with the band occasionally, usually playing this #3 classic from 1978. Hot Blooded - ForeignerPrior to Foreigner, Dennis played in several bands and was the drummer on this 1975 classic rock original. It was a Top 20 hit in the UK. Once Bitten Twice Shy - Ian HunterAugust 18: ... Jon "Bermuda" Schwartz. Jon has been the drummer in "Weird Al" Yankovic's band since 1980. He is also the band's historian, keeping a detailed archive of promotional and audio products that feature "Weird Al". He is usually the source for archival information or products when a feature is produced about "Weird Al". He also has a business in the web site/graphic designing field. The business covers CD and book cover designing as well. Between "Weird Al" projects, Jon has drummed with several local LA bands. Jon and Al met while recording this parody on the Dr. Demento show. Another One Rides The Bus - "Weird Al" Yankovic
|
|
|
Post by 1finemrg on Aug 19, 2016 5:45:05 GMT -5
August 19: ... Johnny Nash. Johnny first charted in 1958 with "A Very Special Love" peaking at #46. His first Top 40 appearance was as part of a trio with Paul Anka and George Hamilton IV the following year. Their "The Teen Commandments" would reach #29. In 1965, he partnered with Danny Sims forming Joda Records. The label signed the Cowsills in 1965, a couple of years prior to their success with MGM. His style changed from pop to reggae in 1968 when he travelled to Jamaica. He had a Top 10 hit on his Jad label and also discovered Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, signing both and recording some of their early records. His version of Marley's "Stir It Up" would be a 1973 hit, peaking at #12. The prior year, he spent 4 weeks atop the Hot 100 with his self produced and written reggae-pop classic. I Can See Clearly Now - Johnny NashAlso featuring his 1968 Top 10 hit which peaked at #5. Hold Me Tight - Johnny NashAugust 19: ... Peter Edward "Ginger" Baker. The drummer alumnus of Cream and Blind Faith has been considered one of the most influential of the rock era. His style was influenced by African rhythms and jazz. He also was among the first to put drum soloing to vinyl, setting the bar for contemporaries for the likes of Led Zeppelin's John Bonham, Rush's Neil Peart, Alex Van Halen, and Chicago's Danny Seraphine. This track from "Fresh Cream" is a great example. Toad - Cream
|
|
|
Post by 1finemrg on Aug 20, 2016 5:47:12 GMT -5
August 20: ... Robert Plant. Possessor of one of the signature voices of rock and roll, Robert combined the showmanship of Elvis with his love of the blues creating his legendary vocal style as Led Zeppelin's front man. He made a template that would later serve as a guide for singers like Freddie Mercury and Axl Rose. Combined with his stage persona, he belongs on the Mt. Rushmore of front men with the likes of Mick Jagger, Jim Morrison, and Roger Daltrey. As a lyricist, his writings were rooted in blues and mythology. He was also influenced by J. R. R. Tolkien using references from "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings" in several Led Zeppelin classics like "Ramble On" and "Misty Mountain Hop". It all culminated with this track from their untitled fourth album. Stairway To Heaven - Led ZeppelinHis writings were used to great effect in this lost 70s classic from "Houses of the Holy". Over The Hills And Far Away - Led ZeppelinAugust 20: ...James "Jimmy" Pankow. He's the trombonist and principal arranger of Chicago's brass section. He also wrote some of Chicago most enduring hits including "Just You And Me", "(I've Been) Searching So Long", "Old Days", and with Peter Cetera "Feeling Stronger Every Day". His brother John is best known for his role as Paul's cousin, Ira on the sitcom "Mad About You" in the 90s. James's masterpiece is this musical suite of songs from Chicago II. The suite is highlighted by their first Top 40 hit "Make Me Smile" and the beautiful "Colour My World". List of songs: 1."Make Me Smile" 2. "So Much to Say, So Much to Give" 3. "Anxiety's Moment" (instrumental) 4. "West Virginia Fantasies" (instrumental) 5. "Colour My World" 6. "To Be Free" (instrumental) 7. "Now More Than Ever" Ballet For A Girl In Buchannon - Chicago
|
|
|
Post by 1finemrg on Aug 21, 2016 6:36:44 GMT -5
August 21: ... James Burton. Known as the "Master of the Telecaster", James was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 by longtime fan Keith Richards. A member of the Wrecking Crew, he worked with Ricky Nelson during the fifties and sixties. He was also a regular on the TV series "Shindig!". In the late sixties, James organized the TCB Band the group that backed Elvis. He played on his custom pink paisley Telecaster until Elvis's death in 1977. Before Elvis's passing, James accepted an offer to play on a John Denver television special. A collaborative partnership began between the two that would last into the mid-nineties. He rejoined John in 1995 for his "Wildlife" concert and spoke at his memorial service when John died in 1997. One of the best examples of his guitar work is his first, recorded in 1957. Suzie Q - Dale HawkinsHe also played on this Top 20 hit with this singer with whom he shares a birthday. Share Your Love With Me - Kenny RogersAugust 21: ...Carl Giammarese, vocalist and lead guitarist for the Buckinghams. Carl was with the Centuries when he was recruited to join the Pulsations. They landed a 13 week gig on Chicago's WGN-TV's after school program "All Time Hits". After the first show, the band changed their name to the Buckinghams after the program directors suggest they come up with a more British sounding name. The name was suggested by a custodian at the TV station. They began charting locally on the USA label with cover tunes like James Brown's "I Go Crazy", the Beatles' "I Call Your Name", and the Hollies' "I've Been Wrong". At the end of 1966, they released "Kind Of A Drag". It topped the Hot 100 for two weeks in 1967. For all their early success in Chicago, the song only peaked at #2 locally. 1967 was the year for the Buckinghams. They signed with Columbia records and James William Guercio became their producer. They would proceed to release 5 top 15 singles and two great albums "Time And Charges" and "Portraits". In 1968, they released the prophetically-titled album "In One Ear And Gone Tomorrow". A single from the album "Back In Love Again" would reach #57. Two additional singles would bubble under before the band broke up in 1970. At the request of WLS radio, the band reunited for Chicagofest in 1980. With Carl leading the way, the Buckinghams are still recording and touring as of this date. The Buckinghams did reach #1 locally and #6 nationally with their first Columbia single release, a personal favorite of Carl's. Don't You Care - Buckinghams
|
|
|
Post by 1finemrg on Aug 21, 2016 22:40:49 GMT -5
August 22: ... Roland Orzabal. Main songwriter and co-lead vocalist of Tears For Fears, he and co-founder Curt Smith split in the early 90s. Roland would release a couple of solo efforts using the Tears For Fears moniker, and actually released a solo effort "Tomcats Screaming Outside" in 2001. Roland and Curt reunited for "Everybody Loves A Happy Ending" in 2004. Roland has been awarded two Ivor Novello awards for Songwriter of the Year in 1986 and songwriter of the Best UK Selling Single of 2003 (Mad World). In 2014, Roland penned a novel, "Sex, Drugs & Opera: There's Life After Rock 'n' Roll" loosely based on his personal experiences. Tears For Fears had to cancel several US shows earlier this year. Many of the canceled concerts have been re-scheduled for the fall. Always loved their second #1 US single. It was featured in the closing scenes of one of my favorite 80s movies "Real Genius". Popcorn anyone? Everybody Wants To Rule The World - Tears For FearsLiked the follow-up as well. It's the one not featured in the Honda car commercial. Head Over Heels - Tears For FearsAugust 22: ...Ron Dante. Born Carmine Granito, Ron's first encounter with the Hot 100 was as a member of the Detergents. Their Shangri-Las parody of "Leader Of The Pack" titled "Leader Of The Laundromat" peaked at #19 early in 1965. He became an in-demand jingle singer for McDonalds, KFC, Coke, Pepsi, Budweiser and dozens of other products. It was at a Coke session with Melissa Manchester and Valerie Simpson that he met and began a partnership with Barry Manilow. He collaborated with Barry and co-produced his albums and singles beginning with "Mandy" and lasting into the early 80s. He earned several Tony Awards in the late 70s for his work in the productions of "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Children Of A Lesser God". He was also the voice of two studio groups in the late sixties/early seventies. For 3 consecutive weeks in October 1969, two of the singles in the Top 10 featured Ron on lead vocals. One of the songs became the 1969 Record of the Year. Sugar, Sugar - ArchiesTracy - Cuff Links
|
|
|
Post by 1finemrg on Aug 23, 2016 5:04:31 GMT -5
August 23: ... Jimi Jamison. Jimi fronted a number of bands with minor success, but gained a reputation as a premier vocalist appearing on sessions by the Jeff Healey Band and Z Z Top. In 1984 Jimi auditioned for and was hired as lead vocalist of Survivor, replacing Dave Bickler. They would continue their successful string of hits through the post-"Eye of the Tiger" era until the band's breakup in 1989. He would reunite with the band on several occasions, including a tour that included both lead singers in 2013. He would remain a member until his sudden passing in 2014. Other notable achievements are collaborations with ex-Survivor member Jim Peterik and former Toto front man Bobby Kimball. He wrote and sang the theme to "Baywatch", "I'm Always Here", and was also a member of the Grammy Awards committee. Survivor didn't lose a beat when Jimi took over as lead singer. Their first album together "Vital Signs" produced these 2 Top 10 singles. The Search Is Over - SurvivorHigh On You - SurvivorAugust 23: ...Keith Moon. From the windmill-playing, guitar smashing dervish that is Pete Townsend, the detached attitude of bassist John Entwistle, and the howl of the quintessential rock vocalist Roger Daltrey, a lot of musical chaos was created. This chaos that was The Who was pulled together by Keith's drum work, the irony being that he seemed to be on the edge most of all. We showcase his rapid-fire drum work with this instrumental that closes out the Who's "My Generation" album. In addition to Keith, Pete, and John, it also features Nicky Hopkins on piano. The Ox - The Who
|
|
|
Post by 1finemrg on Aug 24, 2016 5:49:55 GMT -5
August 24: ... John Cipollina. John was best known lead guitarist for Quicksilver Messenger Service, and was considered one of the fathers of the San Francisco rock sound. What made his guitar sound unique is the way he mixed solid state and valve amplifiers. His amplifier stack was donated to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1965, six years after his passing. We highlight his work with their lost 70s classic. From 1970, it peaked at #49. Fresh Air - Quicksilver Messenger ServiceThe band's really good follow up single peaked at the bottom of the Hot 100 in 1971. What About Me - Quicksilver Messenger Service
August 24: ... David Freiberg. David was a multi-instrumentalist/vocalist with Quicksilver Messenger Service. He joined Jefferson Airplane in 1972 for what would be their final tour, and remained a member of the resulting Jefferson Starship from its relaunching until 1984. David is currently an active member of Quicksilver Messenger Service, and recently toured with Jefferson Starship. He delivered a great performance live with this Top 40 hit he co-wrote. Jane - Jefferson StarshipHe contributed vocals and played bass on this 1981 Top 40 hit. Find Your Way Back - Jefferson StarshipAugust 24: ...Ken Hensley. Ken played keyboards and guitars for Uriah Heep during their hit making years (1970 - 1980). He was also the primary songwriter for the band, composing their only Top 40 hit "Easy Livin'". After his Uriah Heep tenure, he joined Blackfoot for a couple of years and has released several solo projects. He currently lives in Spain and he and his band Live Fire will be touring Russia later this year. The tour begins with a one-off classic Uriah Heep reunion in Moscow on October 15. He penned and added his sinister sounding keyboard work to this classic rock staple. It peaked at #91 in 1973. Stealin' - Uriah Heep
|
|