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Post by 1finemrg on Sept 19, 2016 5:48:16 GMT -5
September 19: ... "Mama" Cass Elliot. She was the powerful female vocalist in The Mamas & the Papas. Born Ellen Naomi Cohen she became interested in acting while in high school. Shortly before graduation, she left and moved to New York in the hopes of starting a career. She toured in the musical "The Music Man", but lost out to Barbra Streisand for the part of Miss Marmelstein in "I Can Get It For You Wholesale". She became involved in the New York folk music scene in the early 60s. She was in The Big 3, and the trio released a single "Winkin', Blinkin' and Nod". Member Tim Rose soon left and she and member James Hendricks teamed up with Zal Vanovsky (future Lovin' S p o o n f u l member) and Denny Doherty to form the Mugwumps. The group lasted less than a year, and Denny joined the New Journeymen. The group included John Phillips and then wife Michelle. Doherty persuaded Phillips to let Cass join the group while they were vacationing in the Virgin Islands and they became the Mamas & the Papas. The group would chart 6 Top 10 hits with "Monday Monday" peaking at the top of the Hot 100. They would be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Cass would go on to have a moderately successful solo career. She was billed as Mama Cass with The Mamas & the Papas on their #12 hit "Dream A Little Dream Of Me" and reach the Top 40 2 additional times. She performed in Vegas, did a couple of television specials, and in 1973 performed a successful cabaret act across the country. She was also responsible for the formation of Crosby, Stills and Nash, thinking that the trios vocals would blend together perfectly. Their 2005 greatest hits compilation was dedicated to Cass Elliot. While performing in London, she passed away in her sleep on July 29, 1974 of a heart attack in a flat owned by Harry Nilsson. Although a half-eaten ham sandwich was found on the night table by her bed, an autopsy found it not to be a contributing factor. The flat would also be the location where Who drummer Keith Moon died four years later. She was out front on this Top 10 hit. Words Of Love - The Mamas & the PapasA Top 40 favorite from her solo career. Make Your Own Kind Of Music - Mama Cass ElliotSeptember 19: ...Bill Medley. He's the deep voiced Righteous Brother who also had the time of his life winning a Grammy and Oscar for his 1987 #1 duet with Jennifer Warnes. One of my Righteous Brothers favorites is this Top 10 follow-up to "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'". It was written by Carole King, Gerry Goffin, and Phil Spector. Just Once In My Life - Righteous Brothers
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Post by 1finemrg on Sept 20, 2016 5:11:39 GMT -5
September 20: ... Ben Shepherd. Ben joined Soundgarden as bassist in 1990 until their breakup in early 1997. The band reunited in 2010 and he continues in his capacity with the band. He has also released solo efforts through the years, and had some success in a side project. The band Hater released a couple of albums, and also included Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron. He was also a member of Wellwater Conspiracy. Soundgarden is currently writing and recording songs with an eye toward a release in the near future. It would be their first since 2012s "King Animal". As HBS (Hunter Benedict Shepherd), Ben's last solo release was "In Deep Owl" in 2013. Although it only reached #2 on the Alternative Rock, it was the chart's #1 song of 1994. It also was one of six #1 hits on the Mainstream Rock Charts for the band. Black Hole Sun - SoundgardenBen co-wrote this #1 Mainstream hit with Chris Cornell, topping the charts in 2012. Been Away Too Long - SoundgardenSeptember 20: ...a pair of twins. Happy birthday to Chuck and John Panozzo. Chuck played the bass guitar and John the drums for Styx. They were there from the beginning. John passed away in 1996, and Chuck is a part time member with the current version of the band. We go back to the Wooden Nickel days to commemorate their birthday. The first single from their debut album reached #82, and has become a Chicagoland classic through the years. Best Thing - Styx
I did say a pair of twins... Happy birthday to Matthew and Gunnar Nelson. The sons of the late Rick Nelson also celebrate their birthday today. We went back to the beginning for the Panozzos, so let's go current for the Nelsons (although the song is about looking back!). From their "Peace Out" album released earlier this year, here's a great track. Back In The Day - Nelson
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Post by dukelightning on Sept 20, 2016 6:39:56 GMT -5
The video for "Black Hole Sun" does not work. But the video for a song that comes from the same CD works. It's "Fell on Black Days" and it includes my avatar phrase.
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Post by 1finemrg on Sept 20, 2016 12:50:53 GMT -5
The video for "Black Hole Sun" does not work. But the video for a song that comes from the same CD works. It's "Fell on Black Days" and it includes my avatar phrase. dukelightning: Just noticed that the last three letters of the link was a derogatory slur. Thus our ever vigilant censors substituted an asterisk for the "A". It 's not the cool video, but I linked a lyrics oriented youtube clip. Sorry 'bout that.
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Post by 1finemrg on Sept 21, 2016 5:10:57 GMT -5
September 21: ... Liam Gallagher. Vocalist for Oasis and later Beady Eye, the charismatic lead singer made his mark in UK history. With Oasis, they had a run of 22 consecutive Top 10 singles in the UK from 1994 to 2008 including 8 that topped the charts. His erratic behavior and tenuous relationship with his brother Noel eventually lead to the band's breakup in 2009. Liam formed Beady Eye with former Oasis members sans Noel. They released a pair of UK Top 10 albums before disbanding in 2014. Over the past few months, Liam has announced he would be releasing music in 2017. It was the only single that crossed over and made the Top 40 in the US, peaking at #8 at the end of 1995. Surprisingly, it peaked at #2 in the UK. Wonderwall - OasisThis one topped the US Alternative charts the following year. Champagne Supernova - OasisSeptember 21: ...Don Felder. Don joined the Eagles for their third album "On The Border" as the band began to move from country rock toward something edgier. Songs like "Already Gone" and "James Dean" from the album were an indication where the band was headed. This was reinforced when Joe Walsh was hired after Bernie Leadon left to give the band a memorable duel lead guitar setup. After the band's breakup in the early 80s, Don worked as a session guitarist with the Bee Gees, Barbra Streisand, and Diana Ross among others. He also penned and sang several movie soundtrack songs, most notably the lost 80s classic "Heavy Metal (Takin' A Ride)". He released a solo album "Airborne" in 1983, and hosted "FTV" a musical comedy show in the mid-eighties. He scored and performed the music to the "Galaxy High" cartoon series. Don was a part of the "Hell Freezes Over" reunion tour in the mid-nineties, but was dismissed from the Eagles in 2001. Lawsuits followed which were eventually settled out-of-court. Don's take on his tenure with the Eagles "Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974–2001)" is a must read. He released a great CD "Road To Forever" in 2012, and currently tours with his band. Their 2014 tour was with Styx and Foreigner. Don wrote the music to this all time Eagles classic. Initially titled "Mexican Reggae", Don Henley and Glenn Frey added lyrics and it became... Hotel California - Eagles
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Post by 1finemrg on Sept 22, 2016 0:48:19 GMT -5
September 22: ... Joan Jett. A founding member of the Runaways, Joan was pursuing a solo career shortly after the breakup of the band in 1979. Later that year she was fulfilling an obligation to complete a film loosely based on the Runaways. It was never released, but she did meet and work with songwriter/producer Kenny Laguna. In 2010, Joan would serve as the executive producer for the film "The Runaways", the commercial release about the band. Kenny produced Joan Jett's debut album. Recorded at The Who's Ramport Studios, it was released in Europe in 1980. After being rejected by nearly two dozen major labels in the US, they released it independently on the Blackheart label. Kenny wanted Joan to record and perform solo, but she insisted on forming a band. The played several gigs at the Whiskey A Go-Go and Golden Bear in California before embarking on a European tour. Upon returning, they began to tour the US slowly building a fan base and selling their album after concerts. Thanks to Kenny's earnings from other projects, the band managed to keep afloat. After experiencing difficulties keeping up with demand for the album, Kenny signed a joint venture with Neil Bogart. The album was re-released as "Bad Reputation" on Neil's new label Boardwalk Records. In 1981 she performed a concert at the Palladium in New York City. The performance was described as "career defining". With a solid New York fan base established, the band recorded the album "I Love Rock 'n Roll" in the summer of 1981. The title track, a cover originally recorded by the Arrows (London based glam band, mid-70s) would top the Hot 100 for 7 weeks in 1982. The band would reach the Top 40 eight times, three of which were Top 10 hits. Their Top 40 repertoire includes "Light Of Day" which was credited as the Barbusters. It was the title track of a movie which starred Joan and Michael J Fox. Joan and Kenny have worked together through the years producing bands like Circus Lupus, Bikini Kill, and Eyeliner. She continues to release material with the Blackhearts. The song "I Love Rock 'n Roll" was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year, a year after the band's induction. Joan and the Blackhearts are wrapping up their "Rock Hall Three For All" tour with Heart and Cheap Trick in Florida tomorrow. The group's second Top 10 single was a cover of a Tommy James and the Shondells #1 hit. It would peak at #7. Crimson and Clover - Joan Jett and the BlackheartsJoan and Desmond Child would write their last Top 10 single which peaked at #8 in 1988. I Hate Myself For Loving You - Joan Jett and the BlackheartsSeptember 22: ...Toni Basil. The #1 success of Mickey was one of her 3 Hot 100 hits and her only Top 40 effort, making her a one-hit wonder. She did record 3 Top 10 singles on the dance chart. Her recording career only scratches the surface of this multi-talented lady. She is a legend in the arts of choreography and dance. She began in the sixties as assistant choreographer on the T. A. M. I. Show and the TV series Shindig!. She choreographed the Monkees' movie Head, and appeared alongside Davy Jones during "Daddy's Song". Other movie choreographing credits include American Graffiti, The Rose, Peggy Sue Got Married, That Thing You Do, and both Legally Blonde movies. Other choreographic achievements include several tours with Bette Midler, the Talking Heads "Once In A Lifetime" video, David Bowie's Diamond Dogs and Glass Spider tours, and Tina Turner's 50th anniversary tour. In dance, she was an original member of The Lockers. They were a major influence in bringing street dance to the public, and appeared on tour with recording acts such as Frank Sinatra and Funkadelic. Her acting career includes the movies Five Easy Pieces, Easy Rider, and Myra Breckinridge. Her first single from 1966 was written by Ed Cobb who also wrote "Dirty Water" and "Tainted Love". Breakaway - Toni Basil
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Post by 1finemrg on Sept 23, 2016 5:41:46 GMT -5
September 23: ... Bruce Springsteen. For his birthday, Bruce is releasing "Chapter And Verse" the companion album to his upcoming autobiography. It's 18 tracks that chronologically spans his career from his 1966 first recordings with the Castiles to 2012s "Wrecking Ball". His autobiography, "Born To Run" will be released September 27. Through the years, the 1999 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee has earned 20 Grammys and an Oscar. He is also a member of the Songwriters Hall Of Fame. His concerts are legendary, more recently pushing the four hour mark in length. His influences range from fellow New Jersey native Frank Sinatra to Elvis to the Beatles. He has championed many of then long forgotten singers, helping to revitalize the careers of Gary US Bonds and Roy Orbison. Then there's the music itself. He draws from multiple genres folk, rock, R&B, rockabilly, jazz, funk. He adds his own tilt and creates classics. One of the great things about when "Born To Run" was released was learning that there were two previous albums that were overlooked to discover and enjoy. So we did, discovering wonderful songs like "Rosalita", "Growin' Up", and "4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)". Manfred Mann did too covering "Blinded By The Light", "Spirit In The Night", and "For You" with his Earth Band. His albums are concepts that explore the 4 corners of the music world. "Born In The USA" was stripped down rock and spawned 7 Top 10 singles. That was preceded by "Nebraska", a sparsely recorded series of songs originally intended as demos. He had a massive "Live 1975-85" compilation that topped the album charts and a box set titled "Tracks" in 1998 collecting 66 never released songs and alternate takes. He ranks third on the album charts with 11 that peaked at #1, behind the Beatles and Jay-Z. This is in spite of never topping the Hot 100. This track was originally a promo, and became available when released on his "Tracks" box set. Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes covered it on their first album. The Fever - Bruce SpringsteenThis lost 70s classic just missed the Top 40 and was at its peak #42 position on September 26, 1978 (tonight's "B" AT40 show). Badlands - Bruce SpringsteenSeptember 23: ...Ray Charles. He was a genius whose body of work transcended all major music genres. Enough said. I rarely hear this wonderful #2 classic from 1962. It's a cover of an Eddy Arnold/Cindy Walker tune, included on his #1 album "Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music". Let's give it a spin, shall we? You Don't Know Me - Ray Charles
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Post by 1finemrg on Sept 24, 2016 5:57:39 GMT -5
September 24: ... Carson Van Osten. His contributions to the world of music were brief and minor. The bass player co-founded Nazz with Todd Rundgren in 1967. In 1969, he left the band and found his true calling. He became the writer for Disney comics, creating Mickey Mouse and Goofy comics though the mid-70s. In 1976, he became the art director for the Disney comic strips department through the 1980s. In 1988, he became the Vice-President of Creative Resources for Disney Products serving first in the US, then in Paris from 1994 until his retirement in 2000. He continued consulting and working on Disney publishing projects in the current century, working on Mickey Mouse video games. He also conducted seminars on the history of Disney consumer products. His renderings of Mickey are those on the Disney Logo and the famous Burbank water tower. In August 2015, Carson received the Disney Legends Award for his contributions at the Disney D23 Expo. Sadly, he passed away four months later on December 22, 2015 at the age of 70. Back to the beginning for the original version of the song that Todd would take to the Top 10 in 1973 as a solo artist... Hello, It's Me - Nazz...and the wonderfully psychedelic "B" side that bubbled under. Open My Eyes - NazzSeptember 24: ...Linda McCartney. Her musical contributions to Paul's career were often lambasted by critics. She is credited as a session musician on the "McCartney" solo album, his first release outside the Beatles. "Ram" is credited to Paul & Linda McCartney. Paul and Linda along with Denny Laine formed the nucleus of Wings. She was credited as a session musician on Paul's solo material post-Wings and a couple of Denny Laine's solo albums. Her contributions to rock photography, vegetarianism, and animal rights are still influential today, 17 years after her death from breast cancer. Her 1968 photo of Eric Clapton for Rolling Stone magazine marked the first time a photograph taken by a woman was featured on the front cover. When she and Paul appeared on the front cover of Rolling Stone in 1974, she became the only person to have taken a photograph and to have been photographed for the front cover of the magazine. She served as house photographer at Fillmore East and her photography has been showcased internationally. Linda wrote a vegetarian cookbook in 1989, and she built a successful line of frozen vegetarian meals beginning in 1991. Linda McCartney Foods was acquired by Heinz in 2000. She was a strong supporter of animal rights including affiliations with PETA (who now present the Linda McCartney memorial award) and Friends of the Earth. Paul has been quoted that love songs he wrote during her time on earth were about Linda, but the first popular song written about her was written when she was one year old. It was written by Jack Lawrence at the request of his attorney Lee Eastman (Linda's dad). The song became a #1 hit for Ray Noble and Buddy Clark in 1947 five years after it was penned. This cover reached the Top 30 in 1963 Linda - Jan & DeanRemembering Linda and celebrating her birthday with Wings first #1 single from "Red Rose Speedway". My Love - Paul McCartney and Wings
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Post by 1finemrg on Sept 24, 2016 23:54:59 GMT -5
September 25: ... Will Smith. In 2007, Newsweek called him the most powerful actor in Hollywood. As of 2014, 17 of his 21 movies grossed over $100 million worldwide, with 5 grossing over one half billion dollars. But it all started as The Fresh Prince with Jeffrey Townes (DJ Jazzy Jeff) and Clarence Holmes (Ready Rock C). DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince were the recipients of the first rap Grammy award in 1988. We salute his musical achievements with this 1991 Top 5 hit... Summertime - DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince...and the first of two #1 solo hits. Gettin' Jiggy wit It - Will SmithSeptember 25: ...Burleigh Drummond. Burleigh has been the drummer for Ambrosia since 1970. Except for a 1982 - 1989 period when the band went on hiatus, they have performed continuously. Along with Burliegh, Joe Puerta and Christopher North also have been with the band since its inception. With his wife Mary (who is also in Ambrosia), they have also released a series of CDs under the moniker Tin Drum through the years. Although I really enjoy their soft-rock hits ("How Much I Feel", "Biggest Part Of Me", etc.), their first two albums were more in the progressive rock genre. Their self-titled debut from 1975 is one of my all time favorite albums, and includes the Top 20 hit "Holdin' On To Yesterday". It seems very Pink Floyd-sounding to me and for good reason. The album was mixed and engineered by Alan Parsons, who also engineered "Dark Side Of The Moon". The lost 70s classic single from the album was a poem from Kurt Vonnegut's "Cat's Cradle" set to music. Burleigh's drums/cymbal work kicks off this great tune. Nice, Nice, Very Nice - Ambrosia
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Post by 1finemrg on Sept 26, 2016 6:41:17 GMT -5
September 26: ... Olivia Newton-John. Born in England, Olivia's family emigrated to Australia when she was six. She would perform on Australian TV shows in her teens and won a talent contest on the TV show "Sing, Sing, Sing". Her mother encouraged her to broaden her horizons, so she used the prize she had won on the show. It was a trip to England. She initially was homesick, but eventually met Pat Carroll and they formed a duo Pat & Olivia. The duo spilt when Pat's visa expired and she was forced to return to Australia. Don Kirshner recruited her for the group Toomorrow. It was short lived and the group disbanded in 1970. The following year she had her solo breakthrough. She covered a tune penned by Bob Dylan which had been recently recorded by George Harrison for his "All Things Must Pass" album. "If Not For You" would peak at #25 and top the Adult Contemporary chart. Follow-ups were not as successful in the US. "Banks of the Ohio" peaked at #94, and she missed the Hot 100 with covers of "What Is Life", and "Take Me Home, Country Roads". In 1973, Olivia released "Let Me Be There". It was a Top 10 smash and earned her a Grammy for Best Country Female. She followed it up with another Top 10 "If You Love Me, Let Me Know", then topped the Hot 100 with "I Honestly Love You". Encouraged by Helen Reddy, Olivia moved to the US. Her Top 10 streak would continue with the #1 title track to her album "Have You Never Been Mellow" followed by the #3 "Please Mr. Please". Her Top 40 success began to wane, but she continued to have a presence on the Country charts, reaching the Top 10 seven times. Then along came "Grease". Initially concerned that at 29 she would be too old to play a high school senior, she insisted on a screen test with John Travolta. Her role was recast to accommodate her Australian upbringing. Instead of Sandy Dumbrowski, she would be Sandy Olsen, an Australian girl whose family is on holiday but then decides to move to America. The film was a box office smash and she became the second female (Linda Ronstadt) to appear on two singles that were in the Top 5 simultaneously. It also began a transformation of her music persona from soft rock to pop. She took another step forward appearing in the movie "Xanadu". The movie did not fare well, but the soundtrack was a success, bolstered by "Magic" which topped the Hot 100 for four weeks. In retrospect, "Xanadu" would become a cult classic and result in a very successful Broadway production beginning in 2007. She reached her commercial peak with "Physical". It topped the Hot 100 for ten weeks and ranked as the biggest song of the 80s. Her last Top 10 hit would be 1983s "Twist of Fate" from an ill-fated movie "Two Of A Kind". It reunited her wither Grease co-star John Travolta. She continues to record and release music. Olivia is currently performing at an extended engagement at Flamingo-Las Vegas. A breast cancer survivor, Olivia raised funds to build a cancer treatment center in Melbourne, Australia that bears her name. She has released several CDs with proceeds benefitting multiple breast cancer research and awareness organizations. Featuring the two sides of Olivia musically. From her soft side, it reached #20 in 1977... Sam - Olivia Newton-John...and her pop side, the follow-up to "Physical" peaked at #5. Make A Move On Me - Olivia Newton-JohnSeptember 26: ...Craig Chaquico. The lead guitarist hopped on board when the Jefferson Airplane evolved into the Jefferson Starship. He was in the band for the entire Jefferson Starship/Starship era. Since the band's breakup, he has had a successful career as a contemporary jazz/new age guitarist releasing several CDs. His most recent offering is 2012s "Fire Red Moon". He co-wrote this 1981 hit from the Jefferson Starship "Modern Times" release. Find Your Way Back - Jefferson Starship
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Post by mitchm on Sept 26, 2016 12:02:41 GMT -5
Olivia had her first #1 single on the Dance Chart in October of 2015. She teamed up with producer David Aune and her daughter Chloe Lattanzi for the song "You Have to Believe".
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Post by 1finemrg on Sept 27, 2016 5:54:31 GMT -5
September 27: ... Meat Loaf. Born Marvin Lee Aday, he was nicknamed Meat Loaf by his football coach due to weight issues. He moved to Los Angeles in the mid-60s and landed a role in the LA production of "Hair". This led to signing with Motown where he sang with fellow "Hair" cast member Shaun "Stoney" Murphy as Stoney and Meat Loaf. As Stoney & Meatloaf they released and album and the single "What You See Is What You Get" would mark his Hot 100 debut, peaking at #71. He left Motown shortly thereafter, dissatisfied Motown erased his vocals on that a song he liked "Who's The Leader Of The People?" and replaced them with Edwin Starr's. He rejoined "Hair", but this time as a member of the Broadway cast. Hiring an agent, he auditioned for "More Than You Deserve" and met his future collaborator Jim Steinman. After landing a part and the play completed its run, Meat Loaf appeared in "As You Like It". In 1973, he was in "The Rocky Horror Show", playing the dual parts of Eddie and Dr. Everett Scott. Subsequently he reprised his role as Eddie in the film "The Rocky Horror Picture Show". He also started work on the landmark album "Bat Out Of Hell" with Jim Steinman at Bearsville Studios. Todd Rundgren produced and played lead guitar on the recordings, and he was backed by members of his band Utopia. Bearsville turned the album down as did all the major labels. The finally landed a deal with Cleveland International Records and the album was released in October, 1977. Meat Loaf and Steinman formed the band the Neverland Express and kick off a tour opening for Cheap Trick in Chicago. A performance on Saturday Night Live helped raise his profile. The album would go on to sell over 43 million copies globally (15 million US), and spun off three Top 40 hits. Subsequent albums sold modestly and time took a toll on Meat Loaf and Steinman's collaboration. It proved to be unfortunate for Meat Loaf, as in the midst of lawsuits against each other Steinman produced two songs originally intended for him. They would proceed to hold the #1 and #2 position on the Hot 100 the weeks of October 8, 15, and 22, 1983. Bonnie Tyler topped the charts with "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" while Air Supply was at #2 with "Making Love Out Of Nothing At All". He started piecing his career back together by performing in small venues all over the world. He and Steinman reconciled and they collaborated producing "Bat Out Of Hell II - Back Into Hell". Critics were unenthusiastic about the album, but the public wasn't. The album sold over 15 million copies and the single "I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)" would top the Hot 100 and win a Grammy. Since then, Meat Loaf has released several albums including a third Bat Out Of Hell related effort which proved moderately successful. He also would appear in several TV series and movies through the years. He has had health issues through the years, most recently collapsing on stage three months ago during a concert in Edmonton. He released "Braver Then We Are" earlier this year with Jim Steinman and is planning a Christmas album "Hot Holidays". From "Bat Out Of Hell" the iconic single that featured the female vocals of Ellen Foley. She would later appear on the TV series "Night Court". Paradise By The Dashboard Light - Meat LoafA Top 20 hit in the US, it was previously a Top 40 hit for Jim Steinman with vocals by Rory Dodd. Rock And Roll Dreams Come Through - Meat Loaf September 27: ...Randy Bachman. With Chad Allan, Randy co-founded the Al and the Silvertones. They became Chad Allan and the Expressions in 1962. In 1965, they released a cover of Johnny Kidd and the Pirates "Shakin' All Over". Quality Records in an attempt to imply that the record might be by a British Invasion act, listed the artist as "Guess Who?". The band adopted the name, and "Shakin' All Over" would top the Canadian charts and reach #22 in the US. Burton Cummings would join the band in 1966 and Chad Allan would leave later that year. They would have a string of successful singles on the Canadian charts including 3 that reached the top 10 during the mid-sixties. Randy and Burton honed their songwriting skills and the band began releasing original recordings eschewing the use of cover tunes and outside songwriters. It paid off in 1969 with the release of "These Eyes" from the Bachman/Cummings songwriting team. "Laughing" and "No Time" soon followed. Their #1 single "American Woman" was credited to the entire band, and Randy was the sole member credited on "Undun" and "No Sugar Tonight". Randy left the band shortly after the release of "American Woman". He had recorded a solo album "Axe" shortly before his departure, and went on to release a couple of albums with Brave Belt, reuniting with Chad Allan. The band began as more country-rock oriented, but began to lean toward a harder rock direction with the addition of Fred Turner. Chad Allan would depart, and the band became Bachman-Turner Overdrive. They were highly successful during the mid-70s, topping the single charts with "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet" and the album charts with "Not Fragile". Randy left BTO in 1977. There have been Guess Who, BTO, and Brave Belt reunions through the years with and without Randy that resulted in varying degrees of success. He has also collaborated with Burton Cummings in the mid-2000s and Fred Turner in 2010-11. He released a CD "Heavy Blues" earlier this year, with guest appearances by Neil Young and Peter Frampton among others. For all the great guitar-crunching rock that BTO produced through the mid-70s, Randy's other side shines with this lost 70s classic from the "Head On" album. Lookin' Out For #1 - Bachman-Turner Overdrive
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Post by 1finemrg on Sept 28, 2016 5:31:11 GMT -5
September 28: ... Nick St. Nicholas. Born Klaus Kassbaum, Nick was the bassist for Steppenwolf during their hit-making years, Nick's family fled to Canada from Germany after his father was involved in an unsuccessful attempt to overthrow Hitler. He organized the Mynah Birds whose members included Neil Young and Rick James. He joined Jack London and the Sparrows in 1965, changing his name to Nick St. Nicholas. When Jack left, he hired John Kay as frontman and the band changed its name to Sparrow. They would become Steppenwolf in 1967, a result of a name change by producer/arranger Gabriel Meckler. At this time Nick had become a member of TIME (Trust In Men Everywhere), but rejoined Steppenwolf in 1968. Nick was forced out of Steppenwolf in 1971 after a power play by John Kay. Years of litigation followed, still unresolved as of this date. Nick would form various bands through the years, and actually tour with his version of Steppenwolf from 1976-1980 after John Kay's disbanded. In 1997, he formed WCR (World Classic Rockers) a band featuring ex-members of high profile classic rock bands. Besides fellow Steppenwolf bandmate Michael Monarch, current members include Aynsley Dunbar (Journey), Fran Cosmo (Boston, Orion The Hunter), Greg Walker (Santana), and Randall Hall (Lynyrd Skynyrd) as well as other high profile musicians. The band will celebrate their 20th anniversary next year. Nick joined Steppenwolf in time for their third and final top 10 hit... Rock Me - Steppenwolf...as well as this 1970 Top 40 rocker. Hey Lawdy Mama - SteppenwolfSeptember 28: ...Ben E. King. Born Benjamin Earl Nelson, Ben joined the Drifters when their manager fired the original members. During his brief stay with the band, he sang lead on several of their memorable hits including the #2 hit "There Goes My Baby" and the chart topping "Save The Last Dance For Me". He left the band and began a solo career, adopting the stage name Ben E. King. He would reach the Top 10 four times, twice with the iconic "Stand By Me" (#4, 1961 - #9, 1986). We lost Ben earlier this year on April 30. Four of the songs on Grammy's list of the "500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll" featured lead vocals by Ben E. King. In addition to the previously mentioned "There Goes My Baby", "Save The Last Dance For Me", and "Stand By Me", his first solo single also made the list. This 1961 classic reached #10 on the Hot 100, but soared to greater heights when Aretha Franklin's version held on to the #2 position for two weeks in 1971. Spanish Harlem - Ben E. King
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Post by 1finemrg on Sept 29, 2016 5:31:36 GMT -5
September 29: ... Jerry Lee Lewis. He was elected into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the inaugural class in 1986. He was one of the rising stars of the 50s until personal life issues caused him to be essentially blacklisted from radio. "The Killer" was on the verge of a comeback in 1964, but was a victim of poor timing when the Beatles broke and musical tastes turned away from the pioneers of the rock era. In the late 60s, Jerry was playing small clubs and releasing records with the Smash label but with little success. As a last resort, Jerry agreed to try country music. The transition reignited his career, and he became a major star on the country charts throughout the 70s. He reached the Top 10 on the country charts 30 times with four #1 singles, including his version of "Me And Bobby McGee". He continued to record, garnering critical acclaim with new material and sales from greatest hits packages as well. His profile was raised when Dennis Quaid portrayed Jerry in the bio-pic "Great Balls Of Fire". Jerry re-recorded all the songs for the soundtrack album. His 2006 album "Last Man Standing" went gold with Jerry performing with rock and roll luminaries like Jimmy Page, Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, and Rod Stewart. Jerry is truly the last man standing. He is the only surviving member of the famous "Million Dollar Quartet" sessions at Sun studios. We salute The Killer with what John Lennon said was his favorite rock and roll song. It peaked at #3 on the Billboard Pop chart, and topped the R&B and C&W charts. Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On - Jerry Lee LewisThe song that served as the title to his bio-pic had similar success on the Rhythm & Blues and Country & Western charts. It peaked one notch higher on the Pop charts. Great Balls Of Fire - Jerry Lee LewisSeptember 29: ...Mark Farner. The Grand Funk frontman is still touring with his band N'rG (Energy) playing a mixture of Grand Funk and solo material he has recorded. The other original members, Don Brewer and Mel Schacher, are touring as Grand Funk Railroad. After their initial run ended in 1976, Mark did some solo material and had some success in the Contemporary Christian genre. Two of their best rockers written by Mark Farner inexplicably stalled at #29 in the early 70s. "Footstompin' Music" from "E Pluribus Funk" was released in 1971, and this one from 1972 came from "Phoenix". Rock 'N Roll Soul - Grand Funk
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Post by dukelightning on Sept 29, 2016 6:55:30 GMT -5
The Grand Funk video did not work but the Jerry videos did. And you know an oft answered question or trivia note by Casey were the artists who hit #1 on the pop, R&B and country charts with the same single. It happened multiple times for Elvis and the Everly Brothers. Now we see that Jerry Lee Lewis nearly became the third artist to pull off that hat trick.
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