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Post by 1finemrg on Aug 25, 2016 5:46:28 GMT -5
August 25: ... Gene Simmons. "The Demon" is the co-founder and bass player of Kiss. Outside the band he is quite the entrepreneur, successfully delving into reality TV and merchandising of the band. He has often been the subject of criticism, creating controversy with public statements he has made through the years. Gene wrote and sang lead on this 1977 Top 20 hit. Calling Dr. Love - KissLater that year "Love Gun" was released. The initial single once again was written by Gene and features his lead vocal. It peaked at #25. Christine Sixteen - KissAugust 25: ...Elvis Costello. He was part of the punk/new wave scene of the late 70s. With his band the Attractions, they created some of the most influential music of the era with albums like "My Aim Is True", "This Year's Model", and "Armed Forces". His songs are somewhat a dichotomy. Instrumentally, much of the music is stripped down but lyrically speaking the songs are multi-layered and thought provoking. His tenure with the Attractions lasted until the mid-eighties, and he and the band were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2003. Besides occasional reunions with the Attractions and work with a second band, the Imposters he also released an impressive catalogue of solo material. Elvis has also collaborated with many of the elite including Paul McCartney, Burt Bachrach, and Tony Bennett. He champions other musical work in print or covering their music in tribute releases. He has most recently toured co-headlining with Steely Dan, and is currently married to jazz pianist and singer Diana Krall. We honor Elvis's birthday with his and the Attractions only Top 40 hit from 1983. Elvis would chart as a solo artist in 1989, reaching #19 with "Veronica". Everyday I Write The Book - Elvis Costello and the Attractions
We also give a musical birthday shout-out courtesy of R E M to one of the most successful musicians in American history. He was the music director of the New York Philharmonic, and composed the music for "West Side Story", "Peter Pan", and "On The Waterfront". LEONARD BERNSTEIN! It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) - R E M
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Post by 1finemrg on Aug 26, 2016 5:28:49 GMT -5
August 26: ... Chris Curtis. Drummer for the Searchers, Chris left the band in 1966 after a worldwide tour. He came up with the concept of a band with three core members that would hire supporting musicians when the need occurred. This concept turned into the band Roundabout which would evolve into Deep Purple. Chris's erratic behavior would exclude him from the band. He left music and join the Inland Revenue (UK IRS) in 1969 and was employed until retiring in 1988. He would sing in local Liverpool pubs and church until his passing in 2005. Although Chris wrote some songs for the Searchers, the band's hits were mostly cover tunes. They reached #13 with this song co-written by Sonny Bono and originally recorded by Jackie DeShannon. Needles And Pins - SearchersThe band's biggest was a Lieber/Stoller cover originally recorded by the Clovers. It peaked at #3 in 1964. Love Potion #9 - SearchersAugust 26: ...Valerie Simpson. With her husband Nick Ashford they became a successful writing and producing team with hits from the Fifth Dimension ("California Soul") and Ray Charles ("Let's Go Get Stoned") among their highlights. In the mid-sixties they were hired by Motown and paired with Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. They wrote and/or produced the majority of the duo's output including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "You're All I Need To Get By". In the 70s, they worked with Diana Ross on her early solo output. Another notable credit was their work with Chaka Khan on her version of "I'm Every Woman". As performers, they were credited with two Top 40 hits. "Found A Cure" peaked at #36 in 1979, and "Solid" was just that reaching #12 in 1985. Valerie, along with her husband Nick and Chaka Khan were the featured vocalists on this 1978 hit that peaked at #21. Stuff Like That - Quincy Jones
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Post by trekkielo on Aug 27, 2016 0:41:18 GMT -5
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Post by 1finemrg on Aug 27, 2016 6:35:23 GMT -5
August 27: ... Daryl Dragon. Dubbed "The Captain" by Beach Boys front man Mike Love for the trademark hat he wore while performing, he played keyboards for the Beach Boys in the early 70s. He met Toni Tennille who had co-written an ecology themed musical "Mother Earth" when he tried out and secured a spot playing keyboards. Daryl returned the favor getting a job for Toni when the Beach Boys needed a second keyboard player. She toured with them for about a year and became known as the only Beach Girl. After the tour completed and realizing their potential, they began performing as a duo. Beginning to gain popularity in the Los Angeles area, they released an early version of "The Way I Want To Touch You" which became a hit locally. They signed a contract with A&M and proceeded to win a Grammy in 1975 with the Neil Sedaka/Norman Greenfield "Love Will Keep Us Together". It was the best selling single of 1975 and topped the Hot 100 for four weeks. When the Spanish version of the song "Por Amor Viviremos" reached #49, they were the first to simultaneously chart with the same song in two languages. All told the duo would reach the Top 10 eight times and top the Hot 100 a second time with "Do That To Me One More Time" in 1979. It would prove to be their last Top 40 single. Time has not proven to be very kind to "The Captain". He suffers from a Parkinson's-like disease and no longer performs. Sadly, love did not keep the musical duo together. After marrying on Veteran's Day in 1975, Toni filed for divorce in 2014. Here's hoping the Captain finds smooth sailing on his birthday and beyond. From 1976, they covered the Miracles first hit and reached #4. Shop Around - Captain & TennilleThe following year they went up tempo and peaked at #13 with this toe tapper co-written by Ray Stevens. Can't Stop Dancin' - Captain & TennilleAugust 27: ...Tim Bogert, bassist with Vanilla Fudge. In addition to his work with Vanilla Fudge, he formed Cactus in the early 70s releasing a series of well-received albums. He also hooked up with Jeff Beck and fellow Vanilla Fudge member Carmen Appice, releasing an album under Beck, Bogert and Appice. He toured with the second version of the Jeff Beck Group, and was on their live album. Through the years, he has worked with Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead on his side project Bobby & The Midnites, the UK group Boxer, and Rick Derringer. He retired from touring in 2008, but makes occasional appearances and session work with various artists. Vanilla Fudge's other Top 40 hit peaked at #38 toward the end of 1968. Written by Trade Martin, it originally bubbled under by Evie Sands in 1965. Patti LaBelle and the Blue Belles' version peaked at #89 in early 1967. Take Me For A Little While - Vanilla Fudge
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Post by 1finemrg on Aug 28, 2016 6:46:02 GMT -5
August 28: ... Shania Twain. She's the best selling female artist in country music and the only female artist to have three consecutive albums certified diamond (10 million units) by the RIAA. Dubbed the "Queen of Country Pop", she endured a very trying childhood singing at bars at the age of 8 (after serving time) and writing songs at 10. A native of Windsor, Ontario she made her debut at 13 on CBC's "Tommy Hunter Show". During high school, she sang for a cover band "Longshot". Post high school, she joined a band called "Flirt" led by Canadian country music artist Diane Chase. Toronto DJ Stan Campbell took notice and featured her in a "Country Music News" article. He signed Shania and took her to Nashville to record demos. Her contract was acquired by regional country music singer Mary Bailey. In the early 90s, she changed her first name from Eilleen to Shania. Her manager set up a showcase which led to her signing with Mercury Nashville records and the release of her self-titled debut album. It was a minor success reaching #67 on the country albums chart and yielding a couple of minor singles. It caught the attention of producer Mutt Lange, who offered to produce and write songs with her. The collaboration resulted in marriage and ignited her career. The 1995 album "The Woman In Me" made her a country star and earned a Grammy, and 1997s "Come On Over" crossed her over to the pop charts and made her an international pop star. "Come On Over" sold 40 million copies worldwide, and stayed on the Billboard album charts for two years. It never topped the charts, peaking at #2. The album ended up being the eighth largest selling in the US overall, and the Top selling country music album. Five Top 40 singles charted on the Hot 100, three reaching the Top 10. The follow-up album "Up!" sold over 5 million copies and resulted in several Top 40 singles. More recently, she completed a 2015 tour "Rock This Country", and a new album is supposedly in the works. She also may do a second residency Las Vegas stint in the near future. This was her first appearance on the US country charts... What Made You Say That - Shania Twain... and her first Top 40 single. Any Man Of Mine - Shania TwainAugust 28: ...Danny Seraphine He was the drummer for Chicago from the beginning until 1990. After several side projects, he formed the California Transit Authority (CTA) in the mid-2000 and currently tours with the band. A highlight of Chicago III is the 22 1/2 minute "Travel Suite". The youtube edit is a 6 1/2 minute version including the following tracks. 1."Flight 602" 2."Motorboat to Mars" (Danny Seraphine drum solo) 3."Free" (#20, 1971 single) Travel Suite (edit) - Chicago
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Post by 1finemrg on Aug 29, 2016 5:24:55 GMT -5
August 29: ... Richard Halligan. A founding member of Blood, Sweat & Tears, Richard played trombone on their debut album "Child Is Father To The Man". When leader Al Kooper left the band after the debut, Richard took a more prominent role playing several instruments, arranging, and writing or co-writing several songs. He received a Best Instrumental Performance Grammy for "Variations On A Theme By Erik Satie", a track from their self-titled second album. Richard left BS&T after their fourth album due to differences in musical direction. He would arrange music for several movies in the 70s and early 80s, and is active in the Los Angeles jazz scene. He continues to compose music for a variety of platforms from commercials to chamber music and does some commercial voice-over work. From their self-titled chart topping second album, here's the band's take on a Traffic classic. Smiling Phases - Blood, Sweat & TearsHe co-wrote this lost 70s classic from B, S & T 4. Lisa, Listen To Me - Blood, Sweat & TearsAugust 29: ...Michael Jackson. The life and times of the King of Pop has been well chronicled, up to his tragic death in 2009 and beyond. There is really nothing to add. Instead we'll focus on the music. Before signing with Motown, the Gary, Indiana based Jackson siblings released a couple of 45s on the local Steel-Town label. Here they are with a pre-Motown era release. We Don't Have To Be Over 21 (To Fall In Love) - Jackson FiveAlways loved the Jackson Five's first Hot 100 single. The band of brothers were at the top of their game, but so was the group of writers known as The Corporation (Berry Gordy, Freddie Perren, Alphonzo Mizell, Deke Richards). They simply wrote and produced a masterpiece that transcended musical genres. I Want You Back - Jackson 5For all the well deserved accolades and awards that "Thriller" earned, I've always enjoyed his work with Quincy Jones on "Off The Wall" a little bit more. Written by Rod Temperton, this number #1 single sounds so Smokey Robinson-esque . Then Michael with all his talent bumped it up a notch. Rock With You - Michael Jackson
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Post by 1finemrg on Aug 30, 2016 5:37:36 GMT -5
August 30: ... John McNally. Like Chris Curtis (August 26), John is a member of the Searchers. However, he was a co-founder of the band and his tenure continues to the present. He has altered between lead and rhythm guitar through the years, and contributed backing vocals. The Searchers are scheduled for a "Sixties Gold" tour with several bands and vocalists of the era (Tremeloes, Wayne Fontana, P. J. Proby, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap) in the fall. They Topped the UK charts and peaked in the Top 20 in the US covering this original from the Orlons. Don't Throw Your Love Away - SearchersThey reached the Top 40 with a Jackie DeShannon written and sung original. When You Walk In The Room - SearchersAugust 30: ..."Papa" John Phillips. He is not the pizza mogul. As a member of the Mamas & Papas, John Phillips was also the main songwriter and musical arranger. Other achievements in his career is writing Scott McKenzie's "San Francisco (Be Sure To Wear Your Flowers In Your Hair)", and promoting and performing (with the Mamas & Papas) at the Monterrey Pop Festival. Speaking of McKenzie, he was the father of actress MacKenzie Phillips (One Day At A Time) from his first marriage. His second marriage was to fellow Mamas & Papas member Michelle Phillips. She went on to an acting career in television and films, most notably in "Knots Landing" and "Beverly Hills 90210". She is the only surviving Mamas & Papas member. John Phillips also released several solo albums. The second album "John, The Wolf King Of L.A." included his only Top 40 hit. It was in the Top 40 for Casey Kasem's first AT40 show, a couple of steps from its #32 peak. Mississippi - John Phillips
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Post by 1finemrg on Aug 30, 2016 22:51:43 GMT -5
August 31: .. Bob Welch. Bob was the lead singer for Fleetwood Mac for 5 albums between the Peter Green and Buckingham/Nicks eras. Through the years, I've grown to appreciate and enjoy those five albums "Future Games", "Bare Trees", "Penguin", "Mystery To Me", and "Heroes Are Hard To Find" as much as "Fleetwood Mac" and "Rumors" and more than anything that followed. 1971-1974 were lean years for the band. The albums were critically acclaimed with marginal sales. Their were all kinds of issues from the band being neglected by Warner Brothers/Reprise to their manager legally preventing them from touring and putting a fake version of the band in their place. After they were finally able to tour in support for their first Top 40 album "Heroes Are Hard To Find", Bob left the band. He formed the band Paris which released two albums that had minor success. He then embarked on a successful solo career, managed by Mick Fleetwood during the late 70s. He reached the Top 40 four times, and had two Top 20 albums. Even during his success he played second fiddle to a rising young star pitcher from the Los Angeles Dodgers who shared his name. He wryly referred to this phenomenon in the title of his third album "The Other One". The eighties and nineties saw disappointment in the form of legal wrangling with royalty shares, and his being excluded from the band's 1998 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Failing health was a major factor in Bob taking his own life in 2012. Hopefully the R&RHOF can right this wrong and recognize Bob's contributions to the Fleetwood Mac legacy. It is on the short list of my favorite songs of all-time. He wrote and sang lead on this essential track from "Mystery To Me". Hypnotized - Fleetwood MacHis only Top 10 solo single was a remake of another essential track from "Bare Trees". We'll go with the original written and sung by Bob. Sentimental Lady - Fleetwood MacAugust 31: ...Van Morrison. Known as "Van The Man" and the "Belfast Cowboy", Van Morrison has earned 6 Grammys plus induction into the Rock & Roll and Songwriters Halls of Fame. Earlier this year, he was knighted by the Order of the British Empire for his services to popular music. His introduction to the US Hot 100 began as front man for the band Them. The band hit the Top 40 in the mid-60s with classics such as "Here Comes The Night" and "Mystic Eyes". Them's other two Hot 100 singles are probably better known. Released together on one 45, each side charted. Their cover of the blues classic "Baby Please Don't Go" made it a rock standard as well with bands like the Amboy Dukes, Ten Years After, and AC/DC performing Them's highly charged version. "Gloria" stalled because of banned airplay in several US markets. At the time, the line "She comes up to my room" was deemed too controversial. Chicago's Shadows Of Knight took the song into the Top 10 in 1966 after replacing the offensive lyric with "She calls out my name". Gloria has been famously covered by Jimi Hendrix, Patti Smith, and The Doors. Van reached the Top 10 as a solo artist in 1967 with "Brown Eyed Girl" on the Bang label. He switched to Warner Brothers the following year and began his legendary 70s stint including albums like "Moondance", "St. Dominic's Preview", "Tupelo Honey", and "His Band And Street Choir". He also had Top 40 success with "Domino", "Wild Night", and "Blue Money", but also is equally known for standards such as "Moondance" and "Have I Told You Lately". He continues releasing critically acclaimed music, most recently his "Duets: Reworking The Catalogue" release earlier this year. This uplifting tribute to a legendary R & B singer reached #61 in 1972. Jackie Wilson Said (I'm In Heaven When You Smile) - Van Morrison
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Post by 1finemrg on Sept 1, 2016 5:55:10 GMT -5
September 1: ... Barry Gibb. Barry started performing skiffle music with a group that included his twin brothers Robin and Maurice at the age of 9 in England. In 1958 the family relocated to Australia, and the following year their talents were brought to the attention of deejay Bill Gates. He took a liking to their original material and the brothers, now known as the Bee Gees performed at hotels and clubs in the Gold Coast area in the early sixties. 1963 saw the family move to Sydney. Barry compositions resulted in exposure not only for the group, but Australian hits for several local artists who recorded them. Barry won the annual 5KA award in 1966 for his composition "I Was A Lover, A Leader Of Men". Returning to England in 1967, the Bee Gees auditioned and were signed by the Robert Stigwood Organization. They immediately released their first single "Spicks And Specks", but it was "New York Mining Disaster 1941" that put them in the spotlight internationally. The song peaked in the Top 20 in the UK and US. The Bee Gees were frequent visitors to the US Top 20 in 1967 and early 1968 charting 5 songs that peaked between 11 and 17. Later in 1968 they reached the Top 10, peaking at #8 with "I've Got To Get A Message To You" and advanced 2 notches further in 1969 with "I Started A Joke". Tension had been building within the brothers resulting in Robin leaving for a solo career. They would reunite in late 1970 and reach the Top 20 four times in 1971 and 1972, including their first #1 "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart". By 1974 the hits stopped coming and Robert Stigwood felt that the brothers needed to head in a new direction. He hooked them up with producer and arranger Arif Martin, and the brothers went to Criterion Studios to record "Main Course". The studio had gained notoriety when Eric Clapton recorded "461 Ocean Boulevard" there. What happened for the remainder of the seventies was that the music world was dominated by the Bee Gees led by Barry. The group racked up 8 singles that topped the US charts, and other compositions became chart toppers for his brother Andy, Yvonne Elliman and Frankie Valli. Samantha Sang also reached the Top 10. The early 80s saw Barry working with Barbra Streisand and reaching the Top 10 with the duets "Guilty" and "What Kind Of Fool". The brothers "Islands In The Stream" would top the charts for Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. He would continue to record with his brothers and produce several artists in the 90s and 2000s. He lost his brother Maurice in 2003 and Robin in 2012. Currently Barry's second solo album "In The Now" is scheduled for release October, 2016. The Brothers Gibb first hit after reuniting in the early 70s peaked at #3. Lonely Days - Bee GeesThis one ushered in their disco era dominance. Jive Talkin' - Bee GeesSeptember 1: ...Gloria Estefan. The seven time Grammy award winner is one of the best selling music artists worldwide of all time. Originally the lead vocalist of the Miami Latin Boys, they eventually became the Miami Sound Machine. The group made their first impression on the UK singles chart in 1984, taking "Dr. Beat" into the Top 10. In the US, it was also their first singles entry, peaking at #17 on the Dance Chart. They would hit the Top 40 in 1985 and top the charts in 1988 with "Anything For You". The following year Gloria, now billed as a solo artist, would peak at the #1 position with "Don't Wanna Lose You". A horrific bus crash in 1990 resulted in serious injuries and extensive rehabilitation. She triumphantly returned at the American Music Awards in early 1991 performing her new song "Coming Out Of The Dark". It would go on to be her third #1 single. The honors, awards and achievements received through the years are too numerous to mention. She and he husband Emilio are successful entrepreneurs owning several Cuban-themed restaurants and two hotels in Florida. They also hold a minority ownership in the Miami Dolphins. A musical based on the Estefan's life "On Your Feet!" had a successful three week run in Chicago that began mid-June 2015. It is scheduled to open in previews at the Marquis Theatre on Broadway in early October with an official opening on November 5. Sometimes the first impression is a lasting one. I'll always remember how this song immediately grabbed my attention. It took all of ten seconds and I was hooked. Their first Hot 100 hit from 1985 was this #10 smash. Conga - Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine
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Post by 1finemrg on Sept 1, 2016 22:15:52 GMT -5
September 2: ... The only man who shared billing with the Beatles on a #1 record (Get Back), Billy Preston. A child prodigy, at eleven years old he performed on Nat King Cole's television show. He also played the role of a young W. C. Handy in his biopic "St. Louis Blues" which starred Nat King Cole. He played with the Beatles on "Abbey Road" and "Let It Be", and appeared on solo efforts by John, George and Ringo. He toured and played with the Stones on classic albums such as "Sticky Fingers" and "Exile On Main Street". Albums such as Sly & the Family Stone's "There's A Riot Goin' On", Eric Clapton's "No Reason To Cry", and "Barbra Joan Streisand" all benefitted from Billy's contributions. He performed at the "Concert For Bangladesh", "Live At Fillmore West" with King Curtis and Aretha Franklin, the "Concert For George", and the "2005 Crossroads Guitar Festival" as well as touring with Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band. He was the first to record George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord". Stephen Stills used his catch phrase "If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with" as the basis of his highest charting solo Top 40 hit. He wrote "You Are So Beautiful", a Top 5 hit for Joe Cocker. He topped the Hot 100 with "Will It Go 'Round In Circles" and "Nothing From Nothing" and just missed joining Herb Alpert as the only ones to Top the Hot 100 with vocal and instrumental hits when "Outa Space" peaked at #2. In 1980, he returned to the Top 5 in a duet with Syreeta (Wright) "With You I'm Born Again". All these achievements and no induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I think a George Harrison song that featured Billy sums it up..."Isn't It A Pity". Another pity was when we lost Billy. He passed away on 06/06/06. Another song that's on my short list of all time favorites. It was a lost 60s classic when it peaked at #62 in 1969, and a lost 70s classic when it peaked at #65 in 1972. That's The Way God Planned It - Billy PrestonThis #4 instrumental was used to great effect when featured in a laser light show I saw at the Denver Planetarium in the mid-70s. Space Race - Billy PrestonSeptember 2: ... the man who is the answer to the question, "Who has charted the most times in the Hot 100 without ever reaching the Top 5?" Joe Simon would be the answer. He had 31 titles chart on the Hot 100. #30 was the only one to break into the Top 10. "Get Down, Get Down (Get On The Floor) peaked at #8 in 1975. On the R&B charts, he would peak at the Top 3 times. Besides the aforementioned "Get Down...", he also reached the top with "Power Of Love" and the Grammy-award winning "The Chokin' Kind". He retired in the early 80s to become an evangelist preacher in Chicago's southern suburbs. A personal favorite from 1971, this great tune reached #11 on the US Hot 100 and #3 on the R&B charts. It has been covered by Ringo Starr & Boz Scaggs. Drowning In The Sea Of Love - Joe Simon
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Post by trekkielo on Sept 3, 2016 0:08:17 GMT -5
Happy 65th Birthday to Mik Kaminski, born on September 2nd, 1951, the influential blue violinist of The Electric Light Orchestra from 1973-1986...
With violin solo by Mik Kaminski at its conclusion!
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Post by 1finemrg on Sept 3, 2016 2:07:09 GMT -5
September 3: ... Al Jardine. Beach Boys co-founder, he was born in Lima, Ohio but attended high school in Hawthorne, CA. After watching Brian and Carl Wilson sing at a high school assembly, he and Brian became good friends. They were also football teammates. He attended Ferris State for a year, but re-connected with Brian in 1961 when he enrolled at El Camino College. He proposed that they form a folk band, but soon was overruled in favor of rock 'n roll. The Beach Boys first single "Surfin'" featured Al on stand-up bass. Al left the band for a short period to pursue a career in the air industry, but rejoined full-time in the summer of 1963. Toward the end of the sixties Al became more involved in the songwriting and production part of the band, writing several tracks beginning with the "Friends" album and working with Carl Wilson producing their 70s output. He was inducted as a Beach Boys member into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, and left the touring version of the band upon Carl's death in 1998. He toured and recorded with several ex-Beach Boys members as the Endless Summer Band in the 2000s, and joined Brian Wilson for his 40th anniversary tour of "Pet Sounds" in 2006. His solo debut album "A Postcard From California" was released in 2010. He rejoined the Beach Boys for their 50th anniversary summer tour in 2012, but Mike Love returned to the pre-tour configuration in the fall sans Al, Brian Wilson and David Marks. He has continued to work occasionally with Brian Wilson, currently featured on the 50th anniversary tour of "Pet Sounds". The tour returns from Europe for a US leg beginning in Atlanta September 9. He sang lead vocals on the Beach Boys second #1 hit... Help Me, Rhonda - Beach Boys...and shared lead (singing the choruses) with Carl Wilson on this lost 60s classic, their last single with Capitol records. Break Away - Beach BoysSeptember 3: ...Don Brewer, drummer for Grand Funk (Railroad). Grand Funk Railroad was formed when Mark Farner and Don Brewer left Terry Knight & The Pack and teamed up the Mel Schacher who played bass for ? and the Mysterians. They hired ex-DJ Terry Knight as their business manager (a very regrettable move). Don has been with Grand Funk through all their incarnations. Don did a couple tours of duty drumming for Bob Seger's Silver Bullet Band during times when Grand Funk disbanded. Grand Funk tours today with lead vocalist Max Carl from 38 Special, ex-Kiss lead guitarist Bruce Kulick, and Tim Cashion (keyboards Robert Palmer and Bob Seger) joining Don and Mel. From one of the best looking album covers and titles (E Pluribus Funk), Don's drums kick off this #29 single. It's guaranteed to get your toes-a-tappin' and fingers snappin'. Footstompin' Music - Grand Funk Railroad
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Post by 1finemrg on Sept 3, 2016 20:58:54 GMT -5
September 4: ... Martin Chambers. Original drummer for the Pretenders, he departed in the mid-1980s after the deaths of James Honeyman-Scott and Pete Farndon. He rejoined the group in 1994 and he and Chrissie Hynde are the two surviving members. The band's status is in limbo, having not played since 2012. Chrissie did release a solo effort in 2014, but no official announcement regarding the Pretenders' status has been made. He kicks off this essential track from their debut album... Mystery Achievement - Pretenders...and this Top 20 hit from 1983. Middle Of The Road - Pretenders
How many bands can say they have two non-related pairs of members that celebrate their birthday on the same day? In case you're wondering, John Cipolina (1943) and David Freiberg (1938) were born five years apart. September 4: ...drummer Greg Elmore and guitarist Gary Duncan. They were both born September 4, 1946. They were also members of this San Francisco based band at the time this lost 70s classic peaked at #49 in the fall of 1970. It was the highest charting of their 3 Hot 100 singles. Have another hit... Fresh Air - Quicksilver Messenger Service
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.
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.
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Post by 1finemrg on Sept 4, 2016 22:38:34 GMT -5
September 5: ... Al Stewart. Al has a very sophisticated style to his writing. He would often have the music orchestrated and recorded before giving the piece a title. One piece of music may have several sets of lyrics before one is settled upon. In 1975, Al released his sixth studio album "Modern Times", the first one to reach the Top 30 in the US. It was produced by Alan Parsons, as were the next two albums. "Year Of The Cat" and "Time Passages" would result in mainstream success. Both albums reached the Top 10 in the US and were certified platinum. The title tracks from both albums both peaked in the Top 10. With the release of "24 Carrots", his popularity began to wane though the album made the Top 40. The album did include his last Top 40 single to date "Midnight Rocks". Although Arista dropped Al after "24 Carrots", he has maintained a loyal following to this day. Albums released over the past 35 years covered everything from political and major historical events to wine. Having relocated to Los Angeles in the mid-70s, he has performed in several west coast venues. He is scheduled to do a series of concert dates with Gary Wright in October and November. We wish Al a happy birthday by featuring his top 10 hits. His first Top 10 album featured this #8 single. Year Of The Cat - Al StewartThough "Year Of The Cat" is probably considered his signature song, his other Top 10 single charted one notch higher. Time Passages - Al StewartSeptember 5: ...Freddie Mercury. He has been voted the greatest singer of popular music in several polls. Many of Queen's iconic songs including "Bohemian Rhapsody", "Crazy Little Thing Called Love", and "Killer Queen" were written by Freddie. As a performer, he ran his audiences through a wide range of emotions from shock to charm. Audiences at Queen concerts were truly captive due to the vocal and theatrical talents of Freddie. AIDS silenced his enormous talent in 1991, and his legend only seems to have grown since then. We commemorate him on his birthday with his 1973 cover of a Ronettes #100, 1966 release. It became a Top 40 hit for the Beach Boys in 1969. The Queen's lead singer recorded it under a different pseudonym. I Can Hear Music - Larry LurexThis great tune was Queen's first single release. It was the only single by the band never to chart in the UK. Keep Yourself Alive - Queen
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Post by 1finemrg on Sept 6, 2016 5:24:20 GMT -5
September 6: ... Macy Gray. Born Natalie Renee McIntyre, Macy's singing style is highlighted by her unique voice influenced by legend Billie Holiday. Her 1999 debut album "On How Life Is" would bring her to the forefront, garnering 5 Grammy nominations and winning one for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 2001. Though follow-up albums weren't quite as successful, her efforts through the years have been critically acclaimed for the most part. She is currently touring and her new album "Stripped" will be released September 9. Her only Top 40 hit was the second single release from her debut album. It would become her calling card, with the song and video winning several awards including her only Grammy. I Try - Macy GrayIn 2012, Macy covered Stevie Wonder's "Talking Book" to honor the 40th anniversary of its release. This great track was also covered by Rufus early in the band's career. Maybe Your Baby - Macy GraySeptember 6: ...Roger Waters, co-founder of Pink Floyd. After Syd Barrett left the band in the late sixties, Roger began to exert control musically speaking, guiding Pink Floyd through their creative peak. This included the concept albums "Dark Side Of The Moon", "Wish You Were Here", "Animals", and "The Wall". He wrote the majority of the lyrics to these albums, based on his thematic ideas. He left the band in 1985 after the 1983 album "The Final Cut". After litigation, his contract with the band was dissolved. The agreement gave Roger the copyright to "The Wall" concept, as well as the inflatable pig from "Animals". Roger took "The Wall" concept to Berlin in 1990 in the wake of the fall of the Berlin Wall the previous year. He has released several critically acclaimed solo albums, and has toured performing solo and Pink Floyd material through the years. From "The Wall" comes this classic rock track. Comfortably Numb - Pink Floyd
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