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Post by 1finemrg on Oct 12, 2016 5:46:22 GMT -5
October 12: ... Sam Moore. He was the tenor half of the "Double Dynamite" duo Sam & Dave. The duo was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. They were the voices for the Stax writing team of Isaac Hayes and David Porter singing classics like "Hold On, I'm Comin'", "Soul Man", and "I Thank You". Though the duo were together from 1961 to 1981, their hit making years were from 1965 to 1969. Two of my favorites were this lost 60s classic, which became a lost 70s classic when covered by Cold Blood... You Got Me Hummin' - Sam & Dave... and this "B" side which became a lost 80s classic when covered by the Fabulous Thunderbirds. Wrap It Up - Sam & DaveOctober 12: ...Melvin Franklin. Melvin was the bass voice in the Temptations. Along with Otis Williams, they have been the only members who never quit the group. Nicknamed "Blue", he was a gentle man beloved by all members who passed through the group. He took pride in being a Temptation. Having been diagnosed with arthritis in the late sixties, he regularly received cortisone injections so he could continue to perform. Unfortunately, the injections compromised his immune system over time. He became a diabetic and a series of seizures took his life at the age of 52 in February, 1995. His booming bass vocals were the anchor of many of the Temptations hits, supporting the intricate harmonies and adding a richness to the lead vocals. Whether it was Paul Williams, David Ruffin or Dennis Edwards on lead, there were Melvin's vocals providing heart to the song. Here's Blue at his best with his signature number, a live performance of a song from the musical "Showboat". Ol' Man River - TemptationsHe also provided the trademark line to this #3 classic from their psychedelic soul era. "...and the band played on" Ball Of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today) - Temptations
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Post by doofus67 on Oct 12, 2016 11:57:16 GMT -5
Love Gary Mallaber's drum work on "Jungle Love", "Take the Money and Run", and especially "Swingtown." That song made drums my favorite instrument.
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Post by 1finemrg on Oct 13, 2016 5:23:03 GMT -5
October 13: ... Sammy Hagar. The Red Rocker first entered the spotlight playing on Montrose's first two albums. He also penned what is probably their signature song "Bad Motor Scooter". In the mid 70s he began a successful solo career which has continued off and on through the years. He reached his commercial solo peak in the first half of the 80s with songs like "I Can't Drive 55" and the #13 hit "Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy". Rick Springfield took Sammy's "I've Done Everything For You" into the Top 10 in 1981. He joined Van Halen in 1985 upon the departure of David Lee Roth (whose birthday was October 10). The "Van Hagar" era of the band which lasted a little over a decade was quite successful, generating 4 multi-platinum albums and 9 singles that topped the Mainstream Rock chart. Not content to stand still, Sammy has had commercial success initiating many musical combinations since his Van Halen stint. Los Tres Gusanos, Sammy Hagar & The Waboritas, Planet Us, Chickenfoot, and The Circle are all groups that have been successful with Sammy as an integral part. He reunited with Van Halen in the mid-2000s for a couple of years. He even did a tour with David Lee Roth known as the Sans Halen or the Sam & Dave tour in 2002. Some of the collaborators in Sammy's musical projects include Michael Anthony, Joe Satriani, Jason Bonham, and Neil Schon. He is also quite an entrepreneur, successful with mountain bike stores, restaurants, tequila, cook books, and his ever-popular nightclub and restaurant "Cabo Wabo Cantina" in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. He is in the middle of a three night birthday celebration at the club, which concludes this evening with a "secret lineup". He has apologized to Eddie Van Halen a few months back via Twitter (just sayin'...) He is also doing a 2 week stint as a mentor for the Team Adam (Levine) on NBC's "The Voice". This 1982 non-charting single puts it all in a nut shell. There's Only One Way to Rock - Sammy HagarA 1988 Top 20 hit from the Van Hagar years. Finish What Ya Started - Van HalenOctober 13: ...Mr. Edie Brickell. He has charted in the Hot 100 as one-half the duo of Tom & Jerry (Hey, Schoolgirl #49, 1957-58), Tico And The Triumphs (Motorcycle #99, 1962), and Jerry Landis (The Lone Teen Ranger #97, 1963). All these chart accomplishments are bits of trivia to stump your friends when compared to his eternally lasting contributions to the music of the rock era. Simply put, Paul Simon is one of America's great songwriters. Among his accolades are 12 Grammy awards, a 2001 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the first recipient of the Library Of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. With Art Garfunkel, they reached the top of the Hot 100 three times. I'm guessing that "The Sound Of Silence", "Mrs. Robinson", and "Bridge Over Troubled Water" will forever be a part of American musical history. You would never know what Paul would come up with next. How many artists could follow up the stunning beauty of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" with the bawdiness of their follow-up single "Cecilia"? (Bob Dylan, probably). Simon and Garfunkel broke up at their peak, and Paul would begin to break the boundaries of contemporary music beginning with the Caribbean influenced "Mother And Child Reunion", gospel "Loves Me Like A Rock", and the Latin influenced "Late In The Evening". Also during this period he had his only #1 solo single with the amusing sing-along hit "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover". In the mid-80s, he released his most successful album "Graceland" embracing and integrating the music and culture of South Africa. Songs like the title track, "You Can Call Me Al", and "Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes" soon became welcome additions to radio airplay and album collections. Simon has continued along this path to this day. "The Rhythm Of The Saints" continued his exploration of world music. Other success were his 2000 album "You're The One", "Surprise" from 2006, and "So Beautiful Or So What" from 2011. We pay tribute to this legend with this seasonal #13 Simon & Garfunkel offering from 1966. The Bangles peaked at #2 with their cover in late 1987/early 1988. A Hazy Shade Of Winter - Simon & GarfunkelEarlier in 1966, a Pennsylvania group took this Paul Simon pop masterpiece to #2. Red Rubber Ball - CyrkleOne of my favorite Paul Simon solo songs, this one reached #35 early in 1974. American Tune - Paul Simon
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Post by 1finemrg on Oct 14, 2016 5:50:07 GMT -5
October 14: ... Cliff Richard Cliff is the third best selling artist in the UK behind Elvis and the Beatles. He has topped the UK singles charts 14 times. He and Elvis are the only artists to reach #1 on the UK singles chart in every completed decade of the rock era. His UK #2 hit "Move It" is often credited as being the first UK rock and roll song. Solo and backed by his group the Shadows (originally the Drifters, not the US group), he has amassed a record in excess of 130 Top 20 appearances on the UK singles, album, and EP charts. His US success is modest in comparison, reaching the Top 40 eight times beginning with his cover of "It's All In The Game" in 1963. Three of his singles reached the Top 10, including "Dreamin'" in 1980. Featuring his other two US Top 10 singles from the 70s. This one peaked at #6 in 1976... Devil Woman - Cliff Richard... and his #7 single from 1979 was backed by musicians Alan Tarney and Trevor Spencer. As the Tarney/Spencer Band, they would reach the Hot 100 with "No Time To Lose". We Don't Talk Anymore - Cliff RichardOctober 14: ...Justin Hayward. The Moody Blues lead singer/guitarist joined the band in 1966 and along with John Lodge and original member Graeme Edge still actively tours today. Probably my favorite track from the band was co-written by Justin and Graeme. It appeared on their first #1 album "Seventh Sojourn". It was their last album before the band broke up for what turned out to be a 6 year hiatus. You And Me - Moody BluesJustin's solo effort, appropriately from the fall of 1978 is a lost 70s classic that would peak at #47. It's a seasonal number that was featured on a musical album version of "War Of The Worlds". Forever Autumn - Justin Hayward
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Post by 1finemrg on Oct 14, 2016 22:44:24 GMT -5
October 15: ... Richard Carpenter. The other half of the family duo, Richard let Karen's pitch-perfect vocals shine while he composed, produced, arranged, played keyboards, provided harmony vocals, sold concessions at their concerts and cleaned up afterward (kidding on the last two). Richard truly is a gifted musician who with his sister left a treasure trove of music cherished by millions worldwide. Featuring the Carpenters first Hot 100 single, this beautifully sad Beatles cover was released in 1969 and peaked at #54 in the spring of 1970. Featured musical contributions from A & M's label co-owner Herb Alpert. Ticket To Ride - Carpenters Co-written by Richard with guitar solo by Tony Peluso, this Top 10 single has often been credited as one of the early power ballads. Goodbye To Love - CarpentersOctober 15: ...Marv Johnson. Marv racked 4 Top 40 hits during an 18 month period beginning in the spring of 1959. "You Got What It Takes" peaked at #10 in early 1960. It was also the last US Top 10 hit for the Dave Clark Five who took it 3 notches higher in 1967. Marv's follow-up "I Love The Way You Love" was his highest charting single reaching #9. Marv's co-writer on several of his hits was Berry Gordy. He would continue to record with Motown until 1968, and worked with sales and promotion for the label in the 70s. He continued his songwriting and recording careers until shortly before his death in 1993 at the age of 54. We feature his first hit from 1959, a song that peaked at #30. It's an historic recording of sorts generating enough regional activity for a national release on United Artists records (as were all his hits). The regional release on the Tamla label #101 was the first record issued from the empire that would become Motown Records. Come To Me - Marv Johnson
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Post by 1finemrg on Oct 15, 2016 23:57:47 GMT -5
October 16: ... Bob Weir. Original member of the Grateful Dead, Bob was the lead guitarist and sang lead vocals on many of the band's essential tracks. Additionally, he's been involved in his side project Ratdog for nearly two decades. He performed in all versions of the Grateful Dead post-Jerry Garcia (Furthur, The Other Ones, The Dead, Dead & Company). The 1994 Rock & Roll Hall Of Famer toured with Dead & Company earlier this year, and is currently touring in support of his new release "Blue Mountain". Two lost 70s classics that featured Bob's vocal work. Bob co-wrote the second one. Truckin' - Grateful DeadSugar Magnolia - Grateful DeadOctober 16: ...Charles Frederick "Fred" Turner. Fred was in the D-Drifters, a cover band. He was continually being rejected by the band's members when he would suggest that they play some of his original compositions. Upon recommendation from Neil Young, Randy contacted Fred and invited him to join his band Brave Belt. When Fred joined, his gritty vocals and songwriting skills were just what the band needed. They evolved from a country-rock sound toward straight ahead rock and roll, rechristening themselves as Bachman-Turner Overdrive. Fred Turner was a member of BTO for the entire duration. They were known as BTO in the late 70s after Randy Bachman left the band due to legal complications, but reverted back to Bachman-Turner Overdrive when they reunited in 1983. The last performance of BTO was in 2004. In 2010 Fred and Randy reunited as Bachman & Turner and released a self-titled CD, touring in 2010 and 2011 in support of the release. We feature both sides of Fred Turner's singing and songwriting abilities. The first BTO single in 1973 is truly a great lost 70s classic, an ode to the early morning workers. Blue Collar - Bachman-Turner OverdriveThe follow-up to their #1 single "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet" is probably my favorite BTO song. It hits the ground with tires squealing and goes with the pedal to the metal for the duration of the ride. Peaked at #14 in early 1975. Roll On Down The Highway - Bachman-Turner Overdrive
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Post by 1finemrg on Oct 17, 2016 5:37:23 GMT -5
October 17: ... Jim Seals. Jim met Dash Crofts 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 Jim and Dash played in the GCs, a band led by Glen Campbell. The band would last a couple of years. Upon their breakup, Jim was joined by Dash (he had briefly returned to Texas) 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. With Jim on lead and Dash on high harmony, the duo produced the Top 10 albums #6 "Summer Breeze" and #4 "Diamond Girl" and charted 8 Top 40 singles. All three 45 releases that peaked in the Top 10 reached #6. At last report, Jim owned a coffee farm in Costa Rica and was living in Tennessee. He occasionally reunites with Dash Crofts 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. His brother Dan experienced success as one half of the duo England Dan and John Ford Coley, and as a solo act was successful on the country charts. The two brothers did perform as Seals and Seals and had reportedly been working on new music together before Dan passed away in 2009. The title track from their highest charting album was one of the three 45s that peaked at #6... Diamond Girl - Seals and Crofts...as was this one that featured vocals from Carolyn Willis (Honey Cone). It also peaked at the top of the Adult Contemporary chart. Get Closer - Seals and CroftsOctober 17: ...Gary Puckett. He began in the Outcasts, a harder edged rock group that released a couple of unsuccessful singles in the mid-sixties. Their manager Dick Badger renamed them the Union Gap in 1967, and the band appeared in Union Army type Civil War uniforms as a gimmick. Their music began to lean toward softer rock. In early 1967 their demo was heard by Jerry Fuller, a songwriter and producer for Columbia records who signed the band. From late 1967 until the fall of 1969, the band would release 6 Top 15 records, including the back-to-back #2 singles "Young Girl" and "Lady Willpower". Over time the band had a falling out with Gary Fuller, wanting to record their own material. Gary also resented singing Fuller's power ballads. In 1969 they refused to record a Fuller song whose session would be backed by a 40 piece orchestra, effectively ending their partnership. They would have one more Top 10 hit later in 1969 before their popularity began to wane. 1970 saw Gary record as a solo act, employing the other Union Gap members as his backup band. He would have a couple of lost 70s classics with the Burt Bacharach/Hal David standard "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself" [#61] and a good cover of Paul Simon's "Keep The Customer Satisfied" [#71]. The band broke up later that year and Gary would continue to record solo until his contract was terminated in 1972. He left the music business to study acting and dance, while doing theater in Los Angeles. He made a comeback in 1981 performing in Las Vegas. He continues to perform appearing regularly on the oldies and casino circuits. From late 1969, this is their last top 40 hit reaching #9. It was written by Victor Millrose and Alan Bernstein and produced by Dick Glasser. This Girl Is A Woman Now - Gary Puckett and the Union Gap
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Post by 1finemrg on Oct 18, 2016 0:26:49 GMT -5
October 18: ... Laura Nyro. Though Laura's commercial success was limited, she was critically acclaimed especially for the albums "Eli and the Thirteenth Confession" and "New York Tendaberry". Between 1968 and 1970 a wide range of artists struck gold with her songs. The Fifth Dimension reached the Top 40 several times with Laura's compositions, including this one that topped the charts. Wedding Bell Blues - Fifth DimensionBlood, Sweat & Tears peaked at #2 with this one. And When I Die - Blood, Sweat & TearsThree Dog Night went Top 10 with this killer cover. Eli's Coming - Three Dog NightLaura even rocked Babs's world, as she had a Top 10 single with this one. Stoney End - Barbra StreisandThrough the years Laura developed a very loyal fan base. An aversion to making television appearances placed limitations on her chances of mass appeal, though it's doubtful that was a goal she was looking to achieve. She was very uncomfortable about becoming a celebrity to the point of announcing her initial retirement from the music business in 1971. Her music output going forward was sporadic with four well-received albums and two live efforts over the next 25 years. Like her mother, ovarian cancer befell Laura and she passed away in 1997 at the age of 49. Some of the most successful singers and songwriters of the rock and roll era acknowledge Laura as a major influence including Todd Rundgren, Bette Midler, Joni Mitchell, Elton John, Cyndi Lauper, and Tori Amos. Bette Midler delivered the speech inducting Laura into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. For all the popular songs Laura Nyro wrote, a cover of a Carole King/Gerry Goffin tune yielded her only Hot 100 single, peaking at #92. Up On the Roof - Laura NyroOctober 18: ...Chuck Berry. Chuck turns 89 today. Bob Seger summed it best in his song "Rock And Roll Never Forgets". "All of Chuck's children are out there playing his licks". Ranked #7 in the Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, Chuck's talent, guitar prowess, word play, and trademark duck walk are gift wrapped in this gem. Johnny B. Goode - Chuck Berry
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Post by trekkielo on Oct 19, 2016 1:31:55 GMT -5
October 18: ...Chuck Berry. Chuck turns 89 today. Bob Seger summed it best in his song "Rock And Roll Never Forgets". "All of Chuck's children are out there playing his licks". Ranked #7 in the Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, Chuck's talent, guitar prowess, word play, and trademark duck walk are gift wrapped in this gem. Johnny B. Goode - Chuck Berry Happy 90th Birthday to Chuck Berry today.
Ironically The Electric Light Orchestra's first US hit, #42 in 1973, was a cover of "Roll Over Beethoven" and they were nominated for the 2017 Rock Hall this morning!
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Post by 1finemrg on Oct 19, 2016 6:13:00 GMT -5
October 19: ... George McCrae. George formed the Jivin' Jets in the early 60s, but disbanded the group joining the Navy in 1963. After his tour of duty was completed, he reformed the group, bringing his wife Gwen into the mix. George and Gwen would break from the group and perform as a duo in the mid-sixties enjoying modest success. After being discovered by Betty (Clean Up Woman) Wright, Gwen scored a solo contract. George became her manager, did some session singing, and performed in local Florida nightclubs. Richard Finch and Harry Wayne Casey (KC) had a song that they wanted Gwen to record. She was late for the session, so George recorded the song solo. The song became an early disco smash, topping the Hot 100 and selling an estimated 11 million copies worldwide. Gwen would have her turn in the spotlight, reaching the Top 10 with "Rockin' Chair" in 1975. George and Gwen's partnership ended in 1976 with their divorce. He would continue to record with the TK label through the 70s, before remarrying and moving to Canada. He then entered into semi-retirement. In the mid-80s he would find success in Europe. He relocated to the Netherlands and performs throughout Europe on a regular basis. He completed a European tour last summer in support of his new album "Love". This was his 1974 chart-topper... Rock Your Baby - George McCrae...and his other Top 40 hit. I Get Lifted - George McCraeOctober 19: ...Patrick Simmons. Guitarist and only Doobie Brothers member to be in all versions of the band. He has written several of the Doobie Brothers most memorable tracks including their first #1 single "Black Water". Other of note include "Toulouse Street", "South City Midnight Lady", "Chinatown", "Echoes Of Love", and this epic lost 70s classic from the "Stampede" album. I Cheat The Hangman - Doobie Brothers
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Post by 1finemrg on Oct 20, 2016 5:53:45 GMT -5
October 20: ... Jim Sonefeld. Drummer for Hootie & the Blowfish, Jim's aspirations were to become a soccer player. He joined the band in 1989, and success from their 1994 release "Cracked Rear View" album had the band touring the world over in support of one of the Top 20 best selling albums in the rock era. Unfortunately, with success came excess. Jim battled alcohol and drug abuse for years before shaking the demons in the mid-2000s. He turned to Christianity and became a Contemporary Christian Artist releasing a solo album and several EPs through the years. Hootie & the Blowfish still perform a couple of times each year in support of their foundation funding South Carolina charities. Jim bought this tune to "Cracked Rear View", their Top 10 debut single. Hold My Hand - Hootie & the BlowfishAnother great tune from the album, the fourth single release peaked at #14. Time - Hootie & the BlowfishOctober 20: ...a man whose name is ironic in terms of his musical career, Tom Petty. Tom's interest in rock & roll began when he met Elvis Presley on the set of the movie "Follow That Dream" where his uncle was employed. Like many, the Beatles appearance on the Ed Sullivan show convinced him that being in a band was the thing to do. One of his first guitar teachers was fellow Gainesville, Florida native and future Eagles member Don Felder. He gained local popularity as a member of the band the Epics which evolved into Mudcrutch. The band also featured future Heartbreakers Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench. After Mudcrutch disbanded Tom tried a solo career, but eventually he and Campbell collaborated with a band that Tench had formed. The union became the first lineup of the Heartbreakers. Their self-titled debut album initially was a hit in the UK, but only achieved minor success in the US. A re-release of "Breakdown" provided the band with their first Top 40 hit, peaking at the #40 position. Their second album "You're Gonna Get It!" was the band's first Top 40 album, but their true breakthrough was the follow-up "D a m n The Torpedoes". The band's first Top 10 single "Don't Do Me Like That" and "Refugee" were hits from the album. Musically, it's been a story of legendary proportions for Tom, whether it's been leading the Heartbreakers, a solo artist, or as a Traveling Wilbury. He has overcome some personal and professional struggles. A public fight with MCA after they bought out ABC records over artistic control and freedom occurred as well as a struggle over so-called "superstar pricing" of his "Hard Promises" album. MCA wanted to price the album a dollar higher, but eventually MCA backed down [Tom certainly didn't or won't] Tom has also recently revealed his struggles with drug abuse during the nineties. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. Tom continues touring and recording critically acclaimed music solo and most recently "Hypnotic Eye" in 2014 with the Heartbreakers. This was a single release from his original band, Mudcrutch. Depot Street - MudcrutchLove this non-charting single off the Heartbreakers debut album. American Girl - Tom Petty and the HeartbreakersYeah, it's probably overplayed (along with "Freefallin"), but I never get tired of it. From the great "Full Moon Fever". "Me and Del were singin' a little 'Runaway'"... Running Down A Dream - Tom Petty
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Post by 1finemrg on Oct 21, 2016 5:56:28 GMT -5
October 21: ... Manfred Mann. Born Manfred Lubowitz, the South African keyboardist and guitarist moved to the UK in the early 60s due to his opposition to apartheid. He began writing for Jazz News under the name Manfred Manne after jazz drummer Shelley Manne. He formed a blues-jazz band with Mike Hugg called the Mann-Hugg Blues Brothers. At the suggestion of their record producer, the name was shortened to Manfred Mann. The band enjoyed success in the UK and US from 1964 to 1969 with several hits, reaching the top with a cover of the Exciters "Do Wah Diddy Diddy" in the US 52 years ago this week. Lead vocalist Paul Jones left the group, going solo in 1966. He was replaced by Mike D'Abo. With Mike, the group would top the UK charts and reach #10 on the Hot 100 with this Bob Dylan cover. Quinn The Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn) - Manfred MannAfter the 1969 breakup Manfred Mann tried to form several different versions of a new group, before settling on Manfred Mann's Earth Band in the early 70s. The found success with their seventh album "The Roaring Silence". Tapping into the early years of the Bruce Springsteen songbook, Manfred Mann's band found minor success with covers of "Spirits In The Night" (#40) and "For You" (bubbled under). February, 1977 saw the band top the Hot 100 with this Springsteen cover. Blinded By The Light - Manfred Mann's Earth BandIn the early 80s, the band would reach the Top 40 a final time with "Runner". The band is in the midst of a European tour, performing in Norway this weekend. October 21: ...Steve Cropper. Steve first gained fame as a member of the Mar-Keys, whose instrumental single "Last Night" peaked at #3 in 1961. He eventually joined Stax records and became the label's house band guitarist and A&R (artists and repertoire) man. Basically, any hit by legends such as Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, or Wilson Pickett that was recorded at the Stax Studios featured guitar work from Steve. He is called out in the Sam & Dave version of "Soul Man" (Play it, Steve!). He is also name referenced twice in the Blues Brothers version, since he was also a member of that band as well. His songwriter's credits include collaborations with Eddie Floyd on "Knock on Wood", "In the Midnight Hour" with Wilson Pickett and "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" with Otis Redding. He's a 2009 member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame and has appeared multiple times as a member of the house band at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festivals. By the way, about the Stax and Eric Clapton's house band: They're one of the most successful instrumental bands in the history of the Billboard charts. In 1992, they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. They had three Top 10 singles and reached the Top 40 seven times. This one peaked at #6 in 1969. Time Is Tight - Booker T. & The M.G.'s
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Post by 1finemrg on Oct 21, 2016 23:26:37 GMT -5
October 22: ... Eddie Brigati. Eddie, Felix Cavaliere, and Gene Cornish would leave Joey Dee and the Starlighters to form the (Young) Rascals. The band added drummer Dino Danelli, and the band would enjoy a Rock and Roll Hall of fame career, capped off by their 1997 induction. An enthusiastic Stephen Van Zandt would induct them, and he backed his words by writing, co-producing, and co-directing "Once Upon A Dream". The Broadway production told the bands story through actors, augmented by the reunited band performing in concert. The extravaganza had a successful Broadway run and US tour in 2013. The Rascals would top the Hot 100 three times (Good Lovin', Groovin', People Got To Be Free), and had 13 Top 40 hits. The majority were due to the songwriting abilities of Eddie and Felix. They shared lead vocals as well. We feature Eddie on lead with the band's second Top 40 hit. It was famously covered by Pat Benetar during the dawn of the MTV era. You Better Run - Young RascalsEddie shining moment on lead vocals was this #4 hit from 1967. How Can I Be Sure - Young RascalsOctober 22: ...Leslie West. Leslie began in the Vagrants, a popular band on the East coast in the mid-sixties. After the band dissolved, their producer Felix Pappalardi who also produced Cream's "Disraeli Gears" joined forces and created Mountain. "Mountain" actually was the title of Leslie West's first solo album. When the band was formed they took their name after the album title. Mountain was one of the pioneers of what would become heavy metal music, creating classics such as "For Yasgur's Farm", "Theme From An Imaginary Western", and "Nantucket Sleighride". They did play at Woodstock (Yasgur's Farm) on the second day, and ending up recording three albums and a live effort before breaking up in 1972. They would reunite several times in subsequent years with Leslie and Corky Laing being the driving force behind the reunions. In the mid-70s Leslie West and Corky Laing would join up with Cream bassist Jack Bruce forming West, Bruce and Laing. They would release 2 studio and one live effort before disbanding. Most recently, Leslie has been the studio announcer on VH-1 Classic's "That Metal Show". The Vagrants had a regional hit with this Otis Redding cover. Respect - VagrantsAnd of course there's Mountain's signature tune (volume to 11 please) Mississippi Queen - Mountain
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Post by 1finemrg on Oct 22, 2016 23:48:39 GMT -5
October 23: ...Ellie Greenwich. Ellie married Jeff Barry in late 1962. The had both been Brill Building songwriters, but decided they would write exclusively with each other shortly after their marriage. The pair carved out a career that resulted in being awarded the Ahmet Ertegun award by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. They were also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1991. In 1964 alone, 17 of the songs that the duo wrote reached the Hot 100. Six of their compositions were on the Rolling Stone 500 Greatest Rock Songs list. Songs like "Be My Baby", "Chapel Of Love", "Da Do Ron Ron", "Do Wah Diddy Diddy" and "Maybe I Know" will forever be a part of music history. Ellie was also a noted session singer, nicknamed the "Demo Queen of New York". She and Jeff reached the Top 20 as the Raindrops with "The Kind Of Boy You Can't Forget". Their partnership ended in late 1966 about a year after their divorce. Toward the end, Ellie discovered and helped launched the career of Neil Diamond. Two of their final songs together were "I Can Hear Music" which was a #100 single for the Ronettes but a Top 40 single for the Beach Boys in 1969, and "River Deep-Mountain High" which famously flopped for Ike & Tina Turner but reached the Top 20 for the Supremes & Four Tops. Ellie would continue to write and provide background vocals for artists like Andy Kim, Frank Sinatra, ELO, and Cyndi Lauper. Her life and career were immortalized in the Broadway show "Leader Of The Pack", a production that has seen several revivals and is performed in schools and community theatres around the world. Carole King accepted her Rock and Roll Hall of Fame award for Ellie posthumously, as Ellie had passed away in August 2009. While being treated for pneumonia, she suffered a heart attack. A pair of #1 singles from Ellie and Jeff, the title track from her Broadway show. Leader Of The Pack - Shangri-Las... and one originally recorded by their group the Raindrops. It was covered in 1963, but didn't top the charts until 1966. Hanky Panky - Tommy James & the ShondellsOctober 23: ..."Weird Al" Yankovic. Musically he's parodied them all, Madonna, Nirvana, Coolio, Chamillionaire, and even Lady Gaga. Through the years he's become a frontrunner in marketing his music, video directing, and web media. He's a four-time Grammy award winner, and if the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame should ever acquire a sense of humor "Weird Al" should be honored in this manner. Last year when he met Graham Nash during a satellite radio tour, Graham asked him when he was going to parody "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes". "Weird Al" pulled out his phone and an instant request was fulfilled. From his first #1 album, the Grammy award winning "Mandatory Fun". It's actually a parody CSN style song with elements of several of their songs including "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes". Mission Statement - "Weird Al" Yankovic
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Post by trekkielo on Oct 23, 2016 12:39:33 GMT -5
October 23: ...Ellie Greenwich. Ellie married Jeff Barry in late 1962. The had both been Brill Building songwriters, but decided they would write exclusively with each other shortly after their marriage. The pair carved out a career that resulted in being awarded the Ahmet Ertegun award by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. They were also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1991. In 1964 alone, 17 of the songs that the duo wrote reached the Hot 100. Six of their compositions were on the Rolling Stone 500 Greatest Rock Songs list. Songs like "Be My Baby", "Chapel Of Love", "Da Do Ron Ron", "Do Wah Diddy Diddy" and "Maybe I Know" will forever be a part of music history. Ellie was also a noted session singer, nicknamed the "Demo Queen of New York". She and Jeff reached the Top 20 as the Raindrops with "The Kind Of Boy You Can't Forget". Their partnership ended in late 1966 about a year after their divorce. Toward the end, Ellie discovered and helped launched the career of Neil Diamond. Two of their final songs together were "I Can Hear Music" which was a #100 single for the Ronettes but a Top 40 single for the Beach Boys in 1969, and "River Deep-Mountain High" which famously flopped for Ike & Tina Turner but reached the Top 20 for the Supremes & Four Tops. Ellie would continue to write and provide background vocals for artists like Andy Kim, Frank Sinatra, ELO, and Cyndi Lauper. Her life and career were immortalized in the Broadway show "Leader Of The Pack", a production that has seen several revivals and is performed in schools and community theatres around the world. Carole King accepted her Rock and Roll Hall of Fame award for Ellie posthumously, as Ellie had passed away in August 2009. While being treated for pneumonia, she suffered a heart attack. A pair of #1 singles from Ellie and Jeff, the title track from her Broadway show. Leader Of The Pack - Shangri-Las... and one originally recorded by their group the Raindrops. It was covered in 1963, but didn't top the charts until 1966. Hanky Panky - Tommy James & the ShondellsListen to Ellie Greenwich along with Susan Collins, Margaret Raymond and Nancy O'Neill AKA SuMagNa doing vocals on these songs from the 1975 album Face the Music by Electric Light Orchestra... ELO - Strange MagicElectric Light Orchestra - Down Home TownElectric Light Orchestra - One Summer Dream
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