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Post by 1finemrg on Nov 21, 2016 23:38:37 GMT -5
November 22: ... Floyd Sneed. Floyd's sister Maxine bought him his first drum kit, and some of his first gigs were drumming for Little Daddy and the Bachelors with his then brother-in-law Tommy Chong. Floyd relocated to Los Angeles in the mid-60s forming his own band. In 1968, he answered the call and became the drummer for a trio of vocalists under contract to Dunhill records. Floyd, Joe Schermie, Jimmy G r e e n s p o o n, and Michael Allsup would become the backbone supporting Danny Hutton, Cory Wells, and Chuck Negron. They were the "Seven Separate Fools" making up the 70s phenomenon that was Three Dog Night. The band parted ways in 1977. Floyd toured with the Ohio Players for an extended period, then joined SS Fools, a band that comprised of Three Dog Night's backing musicians. He has continued to drum, and is also an accomplished painter. Floyd provided the bass backing vocals to this #1 hit. Joy To The World - Three Dog NightFloyd sets the pace for the band's first Top 40 hit. It was famously recorded by Otis Redding, but dates back to the early 30s. Featuring the late Cory Wells on lead vocals. Try A Little Tenderness - Three Dog NightNovember 22: ...the multi-talented Steven Van Zandt. He's usually known as Little Steven or Miami Steve, and his talents are boundless. He was an integral part of Bruce Springsteen's rise to the national spotlight, while co-founding Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. He also headed Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul during the 80s. He's been on his second tour of duty with the E Street Band since 1999. As an actor, he's best known as Silvio Dante from the television series "The Sopranos". As a radio host, his syndicated show "Little Steven's Underground Garage" has been on the air since 2002. It airs on approximately 200 US radio stations and is also heard internationally. He is also the program director of a 24/7 Sirius channel that plays the same type of garage-rock genre music made famous on his syndicated show. He also oversees a Outlaw Country channel. He is the founder of the Wicked Cool record label, and has launched the Rock and Roll Forever foundation. The foundation traces the ongoing history of Rock and Roll and examines the impact made on shaping the culture of the various eras. It also examines the impact Rock and Roll has had with major historical events in the US and worldwide since its inception. In the 80s he co-founded Artists United Against Apartheid to raise awareness against this South African practice. The "Sun City" song and subsequent album raised over a million dollars to support this cause. For Springsteen's "Born To Run" album, Steven helped Bruce with the signature guitar line in the title track. Steven also worked with the horn arrangements on this track which reached the Hot 100 as a single. Tenth Avenue Freeze Out - Bruce SpringsteenHe wrote the title track for Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes first album. I Don't Want To Go Home - Southside Johnny and the Asbury JukesHis latest collaboration was fulfilling a years old promise to Darlene Love, producing and releasing "Introducing Darlene Love" a couple of months ago on his record label. This track was written by Elvis Costello. Forbidden Nights - Darlene LoveFinally, here is Little Steven fronting the Disciples of Soul. Inside Of Me - Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul
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Post by 1finemrg on Nov 23, 2016 5:52:54 GMT -5
November 23: ... Betty Everett. The soul songstress moved to Chicago in the late 50s and recorded on a number of local labels. She signed with the Vee Jay label in 1963 where she experienced commercial success. In 1964 she reached the Top 10 twice, once as a solo artist. Her highest charting hit was "Let It Be Me", a #5 duet with Jerry Butler. Vee Jay would fold in the mid-sixties, but Betty would reach the Top 40 a third time in 1969 on the Uni label. Written and produced by Chi-Lites lead singer Eugene Record, "There'll Come A Time" would peak at #26, and reach #2 on the R&B charts. It began a string of Top 40 R&B hits, some of which hit the lower half of the Hot 100. She would continue to record until 1980. In 1990, her profile was raised when her signature song was covered by Cher for the movie "Mermaids". She starred in the 1991 Chicago Blues Festival, but was unable to sustain her success due to health issues. In 1996 Betty was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame. She made her last public appearance with Jerry Butler in 2000 on a PBS special, and passed away the next year. Although her first Hot 100 single only peaked at #51, it would become a #1 hit courtesy of Linda Ronstadt in the mid-70s. You're No Good - Betty EverettThe follow up became her signature song peaking at #6 in 1964. The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss) - Betty EverettNovember 23: ...Bruce Hornsby. Bruce's commercial success came as the frontman with Bruce Hornsby and the Range. The band hit the Top 10 on the Hot 100 three times and earned a 1987 Grammy award for Best New Artist. Their single "The Way It Is" topped the Hot 100 for a week in December, 1986. Bruce also worked with the Grateful Dead as an unofficial member, playing over 100 gigs. When Grateful Dead member Brett Mydland passed away suddenly in 1990, Bruce filled in on piano and occasionally accordion. It's been suggested that the musical bond formed between Bruce and Jerry Garcia through the years proved to be beneficial to both parties. Bruce's strength at improvisation helped pushed Jerry creatively with regards to his guitar work. Bruce was the presenter when the Dead went into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. He also participated in their "Fare Thee Well" concerts held this past summer. Bruce has also been recognized for his work in bluegrass music. He earned a 1990 Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album, reworking his hit "The Valley Road" with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band for their album "Will the Circle Be Unbroken: Volume Two". In 2007, he teamed with Ricky Skaggs and his band Kentucky Thunder on a bluegrass album and tour. He continues to record and perform today, working in several music genres (pop, bluegrass, jazz, classical). Jerry Garcia's guests on this 1990 Top 20 single. Across The River - Bruce Hornsby and the RangeHe teams with Ricky Skaggs on this interesting bluegrass cover of a Rick James tune. Super Freak - Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby
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Post by 1finemrg on Nov 23, 2016 22:57:38 GMT -5
November 24: ... not a turkey, but something is still fowl ... Donald "Duck" Dunn. Legendary bassist for Booker T & the MGs and many Stax recording sessions, "Duck" Dunn was in constant demand as a session player. He and bandmate Steve Cropper were members of the Blues Brothers as well, appearing in the movie and being the subject of one of the most famous call-outs in rock and roll history. He was active in the music business until his death in 2012, passing away in his sleep while on tour in Japan. His bass line drives this Top 10 hit. Time Is Tight - Booker T & The MGs"Duck" played on the original version, as well as the famous cover. "Steve Cropper and Duck Dunn!" Soul Man - Blues BrothersNovember 24: ...Bev Bevan. (Although Wikipedia lists his birthday as November 25, three other websites have it as November 24.) Along with Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood, Bev co-founded the Electric Light Orchestra. They were the three remaining members of The Move, who had 7 top 10 singles in the UK between 1966 and 1972. They topped the UK charts with "Blackberry Way" in late 1968. Bev was ELO's drummer for its initial run which ended in 1986. He also toured with Black Sabbath in 1983-1984 and played percussion on their 1987 album "The Eternal Idol". After ELO disbanded, Bev founded ELO Part II. He would record and tour as a member until 1999. At that time, he sold half his ELO naming rights back to Jeff Lynne and left the band. They continue to record today as The Orchestra. From 2004-2014 he toured with Bev Bevan's Move. His recent activity included the final Bev Bevan's Move concerts, and a "Stand Up And Rock Tour" featuring the Bev Bevan Band. He also hosts a Sunday radio show on BBC Radio West Midlands. Loved Bev's drumming on ELO's first Top 10 single. Evil Woman - Electric Light OrchestraThe final Top 10 single for The Move in the UK, it was covered by Cheap Trick in the late 70s. California Man - The Move
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Post by 1finemrg on Nov 25, 2016 7:43:17 GMT -5
November 25: ... Percy Sledge. Percy was working as a hospital orderly during the week and singing with a combo on weekends. A former patient introduced Percy to his friend Quin Ivy, a record producer. He auditioned and was signed to a contract. The first song he recorded under the agreement is one of the greatest soul ballads of all time. Born from Percy's loss of his girlfriend to a modelling career, Percy wrote the song with the help of bassist Calvin Lewis and organist Andrew Wright. Percy gave all songwriting credits to Calvin and Andrew. Recorded with sparse instrumentation, Percy's voice shines through in this legendary recording. It would become Atlantic's first gold record and peaked at #1 in the US, #4 UK. The song would re-chart in the UK in 1987 due to its inclusion in a Levi's commercial and peak at #2 behind Ben E. King's "Stand By Me". The song would top the Hot 100 a second time in 1991 as recorded by Michael Bolton. Bette Midler's version reached the Top 40 in 1980. Though often perceived as a one-hit wonder, Percy actually charted 5 Top 40 hits, and 14 of his songs charted in the Hot 100. Percy would become an international star, touring in Europe and South Africa for many years. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. Percy was inducted into Rock and Roll Heaven in 2015, succumbing to liver cancer at the age of 74. Supposedly Percy's signature song was re-recorded because the horn section was out of tune. In the final process, the tapes were accidentally switched and the original recording was the one released. When A Man Loves A Woman - Percy SledgePercy just missed the Top 10, peaking at #11 with this hit. Take Time To Know Her - Percy SledgeNovember 25: ...Paul Desmond. Nicknamed "The Stork", the alto saxophonist made significant contributions with his work in the jazz music genre before his passing in 1977. He collaborated with some of the giants in jazz such as Chet Baker, Gerry Mulligan and Jim Hall. His most famous work came as a member of a quartet founded in 1951. During his tenure, he composed this quintuple timed tune that has become a jazz standard through the years. The song failed to chart upon its initial release in 1959, but reached #25 on the Hot 100 upon its re-release in 1961. It became arguably the largest single of its genre. Upon his death, Paul donated the song's royalty performance rights to the American Red Cross. The donation translates to approximately $100,000 each year. Here's the album version. Take Five - Dave Brubeck Quartet
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Post by 1finemrg on Nov 25, 2016 22:54:37 GMT -5
November 26: ... John McVie. The bassist is the "Mac" in Fleetwood Mac. He, Peter Green, and Mick Fleetwood split from John Mayall's Bluesbreakers forming Fleetwood Mac. His presence in the band is very low key, but he has been a constant member since its inception. He has persevered in spite of the divorce from his first wife and band member Christine, alcohol issues and colon cancer. As a member of Fleetwood Mac, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. He photographed the cover of the album "Bare Trees", which contained the original version of a song that would become a solo hit for then lead singer Bob Welch. Sentimental Lady - Fleetwood MacHe co-wrote this memorable album track from "Rumours". The Chain - Fleetwood MacNovember 26: ...Anna Mae Bullock. She first recorded as Little Ann with Ike Turner's Kings Of Rhythm in 1958. In 1960, she became known as Tina Turner in the Ike and Tina Turner Rhythm Revue. Her tumultuous personal life is well known, having been depicted in the film "What's Love Got To Do With It". The eleven time Grammy award winner and 1991 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee unfairly took on all the responsibilities resulting from her breakup with Ike Turner. From that moment came a second career that showcased her talent and made her the legend she is today. We salute her with her semi-autobiographical song she wrote before her split from Ike. In 1973, it peaked at #22 on the Hot 100. Bob Seger also charted with his version. Nutbush City Limits - Ike & Tina TurnerAfter years of rebuilding her career she broke through with her first Top 40 solo hit, a cover of Al Green's #1 smash. Let's Stay Together - Tina Turner
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Post by 1finemrg on Nov 26, 2016 23:56:43 GMT -5
November 27: ... Eddie Rabbitt. Eddie was hired as a Nashville songwriter in the late 60s. He first experienced success when Elvis went gold with Eddie's penned "Kentucky Rain" in 1969. His profile in the Nashville community was raised when Ronnie Milsap took his "Pure Love" to the top of the country charts in 1974. This led to a contract with Elektra records. His 1976 album "Rocky Mountain Music" was well-received and the single release "Drinkin' My Baby (Off My Mind)" was his first of 17 County & Western #1 singles. He received the Country Music Award for Top New Male Vocalist the following year. On tour, he opened for Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton and helped lead the wave of country artists to cross over to the pop charts in the late 70s and early 80s. All told, he would chart 8 Top 40 singles. He would have 4 Top Tens including "You And I", a duet with Crystal Gayle. His pop career waned but he continued to have Country success in the mid-80s. His music contained elements of country, rockabilly, and R&B and he tailored his songwriting to the singles market. His life was cut short, succumbing to lung cancer at age 56 in 1998. He kept his illness from everyone, even his manager. No announcement was made of his passing until after his burial. We salute Eddie with his first Top 20 hit from 1979... Suspicions - Eddie Rabbitt... and his only Hot 100 #1 song. I Love A Rainy Night - Eddie RabbittNovember 27: ...Jimi Hendrix. He backed the Isley Brothers and Little Richard before moving to England and hiring Chas Chandler (Animals) as his manager. His first appearance in the Hot 100 was as guitarist on Don Covay's song "Mercy Mercy" which peaked at #35 in the spring of 1964. He was a one-hit wonder in the US, but in the UK he reached the Top 10 five times, including his #1 hit "Voodoo Chile" in 1970. Posthumously, he has earned every award imaginable. His only US Top 40 hit has been voted the best cover tune of all time. It actually would be covered a third time by the rhythm guitarist on this track, Dave Mason. It was written and originally recorded by Bob Dylan. All Along The Watchtower - Jimi Hendrix ExperienceHis second single charted in the US, and was his first Hot 100 single reaching #65. Chicago's WLS survey for September 22, 1967 had 8 debuts in their Top 40. The highest at #25 was "Get On Up" by The Esquires. Sam and Dave's "Soul Man" and the Soul Survivors "Expressway To Your Heart" were debuts that week, as was Vicki Carr's cringe worthy "It Must Be Him". At #38 was a debut song by "Jimmy Hendrix". The week it peaked at #7, his name was spelled correctly but reverted back to Jimmy when he fell out of the Top 10 the following week. 'Scuse me... Purple Haze - Jimi Hendrix Experience
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Post by 1finemrg on Nov 28, 2016 6:10:39 GMT -5
November 28: ... Randy Newman ... that is. If you look at Randy's career as a recording artist from a Top 40 viewpoint, the result is one hit wonder. The one hit was a somewhat novelty song "Short People" which peaked at #2 and created some controversy due to subject matter. He would have additional singles peak below the Top 40, but that's about it as a singles recording artist. That would be viewing Randy from a very narrow perspective. From an awards viewpoint, Randy has won 2 Oscars, 3 Emmys, and 6 Grammys. He is a 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002. In 2007, he was inducted as a Disney legend. As a songwriter, his compositions sometimes took a satirical turn (Short People, for example). However, he also wrote standards such as "I Think It's Going To Rain Today", "You Can Leave Your Hat On", and "Sail Away". Harry Nilsson released "Nilsson Sings Newman" in 1970, an album of songs composed by Randy. In the 80s, his career turned toward writing soundtrack music. Films like "Ragtime", "The Natural", and "Seabiscuit" were enriched by his musical scores. He also became success in animated films, scoring the "Toy Story" and "Monsters" releases, "A Bug's Life", and "Cars". Saluting Randy with his original version of a song that was #1 on the first AT 40 broadcast. Mama Told Me (Not To Come) - Randy NewmanHe bubbled under with this tribute/satirical look at the City of Angels. I Love LA - Randy Newman November 28: ...Berry Gordy Jr. His first success in the music business was co-writing songs for Jackie Wilson. With his sister Gwen and writer/producer Billy Davis, they were involved in several of Jackie's hits during the fifties. Borrowing $800 from his family, he founded Tamla Records. The first 45, Marv Johnson's "Come To Me" released on Tamla #101 became a national hit after the distribution rights were sold to United Artists. Johnson would go on to have a string of hits for United Artists including the Berry Gordy co-written and co-produced "You Got What It Takes". A cover version by the Dave Clark Five would prove to be their last US Top 10 single. "Bad Girl" by the Miracles was next. It also became an R&B hit after Chess bought the distribution rights. Barrett Strong's "Money (That's What I Want)" bought him closer to his goal of running a self-contained record label. It became a Top 40 hit and was a #2 R&B smash on Anna Records, a label run by Berry's sister. The Miracles provided the breakthrough for Berry. "Shop Around" was the first major hit issued solely on the Tamla label, reaching #2 on the Hot 100 and topping the R&B charts in 1960. The following year, the Marvelettes' "Please Mr. Postman" would be the first of many #1 singles to top both the Hot 100 and the R&B charts. Through the 60s and into the 70s, the Motown, Tamla, Gordy, and Soul labels dominated the Hot 100 and R&B charts. As advertised, they truly were the "Sound of Young America". The first single to top the R&B charts that credited Berry on the label was this Jackie Wilson gem from 1958: Lonely Teardrops - Jackie WilsonHe was the sole writer on this Hot 100 #3 smash from 1962. It would top the R&B charts. Originally intended for the Temptations, they could not be located (attending a gospel music showcase). Barry wanted what he thought was a sure-fire hit recorded as soon as possible, so he had this group record his song. It was this band's only Top 40 hit, charting a second time in 1988 peaking at #11. Do You Love Me? - Contours
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Post by 1finemrg on Nov 29, 2016 6:52:46 GMT -5
November 29: ... Joel Carver Whitburn. Chart historian extraordinaire, Joel turned his passion for record collecting and compiling statistical data into a worldwide successful business. Record Research has released over 200 volumes of statistical information based on various music charts. He and his team's work is the go-to source for the music industry, collectors, radio personalities and statistical nerds like me. Additionally, he has worked with Rhino Records providing statistical data for numerous greatest hits compilations as well as releasing over 150 CDs based on his series of Record Research books. Billboard has the charts, but Joel has settled many disagreements by making song information easily available whether in paperback, hardcover, or digitally. Personally, he has a record collection that rivals none. It includes every charted Hot 100 and pop single (back to 1936), every charted pop album (back to 1945), collections of nearly every charted Country, R&B, Bubbling Under The Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary records, and one of the world’s largest picture sleeve collections. His latest volume of "Top R & B Singles" covering 1942 through 2016 is set to be released February, 2017. He began compiling information on his own in September, 1965 by writing data on cards. The first card he completed was the first Hot 100 #1 single from 1958. Poor Little Fool - Ricky NelsonHe published his first book in June, 1970 which led to his business relationship with Billboard. This was fittingly the number 1 song for two weeks in that month. The Long And Winding Road - BeatlesNovember 29: ... Chuck Mangione. With his piano-playing brother Gaspare (Gap), they led the Jazz Brothers group. In the early sixties they released a series of albums and singles on the Riverside label. Chuck joined Art Blakely Jazz Messengers in the mid-sixties on trumpet, although during the height of his popularity he made the flugelhorn a household name. Beginning in 1970, Chuck signed with Mercury records and released a series of studio and live albums. His first Hot 100 entry "Hill Where The Lord Hides" peaked at #76 in 1971, but his last studio album with the label "Land Of Make Believe" personally caught my attention. Switching to A&M records, two great albums were released in 1975. The title track to "Chase The Clouds Away" was used as a theme to the 1976 Summer Olympics. He followed that with "Bellavia" whose title track earned a 1977 Grammy award. 1976's "Main Squeeze" followed building on the popularity of the previous two albums. In 1977, his "Feels So Good" was released. It was his commercial breakthrough with the edited single peaking at #4 on the Hot 100, and the album reaching #2 on the Billboard album charts. In 1978 he earned another Grammy for the composition "Children of Sanchez". The song was the title to a double album soundtrack to a motion picture of the same name. The following year, he released his seventeenth album "Fun And Games". The album returned him to the Top 10, peaking at #9. The title track was a song originally written and released by the Isley Brothers on their 1978 Top 10 album "Showdown". "Fun And Games" returned Chuck to the Top 40 as "Give It All You Got" was a Top 20 hit. It was used as the theme to the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympic Games. Chuck would release a series of albums throughout the eighties and nineties, and composed the title song to the soundtrack of "Cannonball Run". He provided the voice playing himself as a celebrity spokesman for Mega Lo Mart on "King Of The Hill". Appropriately, Chuck's 2000 album "Everything For Love" contained a track titled "Peggy Hill". We commemorate his birthday with the song that earned him a 1977 Grammy... Bellavia - Chuck Mangione Quartet...and the 1980 Winter Olympics theme. Give It All You Got - Chuck Mangione
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Post by trekkielo on Nov 29, 2016 22:37:15 GMT -5
November 28: ... Randy Newman ... that is. If you look at Randy's career as a recording artist from a Top 40 viewpoint, the result is one hit wonder. The one hit was a somewhat novelty song "Short People" which peaked at #2 and created some controversy due to subject matter. He would have additional singles peak below the Top 40, but that's about it as a singles recording artist. That would be viewing Randy from a very narrow perspective. From an awards viewpoint, Randy has won 2 Oscars, 3 Emmys, and 6 Grammys. He is a 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002. In 2007, he was inducted as a Disney legend. As a songwriter, his compositions sometimes took a satirical turn (Short People, for example). However, he also wrote standards such as "I Think It's Going To Rain Today", "You Can Leave Your Hat On", and "Sail Away". Harry Nilsson released "Nilsson Sings Newman" in 1970, an album of songs composed by Randy. In the 80s, his career turned toward writing soundtrack music. Films like "Ragtime", "The Natural", and "Seabiscuit" were enriched by his musical scores. He also became success in animated films, scoring the "Toy Story" and "Monsters" releases, "A Bug's Life", and "Cars". Saluting Randy with his original version of a song that was #1 on the first AT 40 broadcast. Mama Told Me (Not To Come) - Randy NewmanHe bubbled under with this tribute/satirical look at the City of Angels. I Love LA - Randy Newman 1979's Born Again featured a song satirically mythologizing the Electric Light Orchestra (and their arranging style) entitled "The Story of a Rock and Roll Band". The Story Of A Rock And Roll Band Jeff Lynne would return the favor by producing and playing on "Falling in Love" from Randy Newman's 1988 album Land of Dreams.
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Post by 1finemrg on Nov 30, 2016 6:15:14 GMT -5
November 30: ... Billy Idol. With his trademark sneer, Billy rose to popularity as the leader of the punk band Generation X in the late 70s. The group disbanded and Billy went solo in the early 80s, coinciding with the advent of MTV. The videos for "Dancing With Myself" and "White Wedding" from his self-titled debut album were in heavy rotation on the fledgling network, and fueled Billy's Top 40 success that flourished through the remainder of the 80s. "White Wedding" would be the second of nine Top 40 singles that Billy charted between 1982 and 1990. Four of the singles reached the Top 10, with Billy's live cover of "Mony Mony" topping the Hot 100 in November, 1987. "Mony Mony" had bumped Tiffany's "I Think We're Alone Now" from the top slot, becoming the second consecutive Tommy James and the Shondells remake to top the charts. The originals were Top 10 hits, with "Mony Mony" reaching #3 and "I Think We're Alone Now" peaking at #4. Billy has continued his touring and recording career. In 2014, he released "Kings and Queens of the Underground" and an autobiography "Dancing With Myself". He is scheduled to continue his residency at the Hard Rock Café in Las Vegas with a series of shows during the first half of 2017. Billy reached #6 covering a lost 60s classic that was a Top 10 R&B hit for William (Tryin' To Love Two) Bell. To Be A Lover - Billy IdolHe co-wrote his last Top 40 hit which peaked at #2 in 1990. Cradle Of Love - Billy IdolNovember 30: ...Rob Grill. He was the mainstay with the Grass Roots until his passing in 2011, playing bass and providing lead vocals to most of their hits. The second 45 I bought was this 1969 classic that peaked at #15. Not the 45 release, but a rare stereo edit with a different beginning. I'd Wait A Million Years - Grass RootsSurprisingly, this 1968 single missed the charts altogether. The next release "Midnight Confessions" would prove to be their highest charting single, peaking at #5. Feelings - Grass Roots
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Post by 1finemrg on Dec 1, 2016 1:04:11 GMT -5
December 1: ... Lou Rawls. Chicago born and raised, Lou was one cool cat. He was such a cool cat that he was the singing voice of "Garfield". Frank Sinatra once said that Rawls had "the classiest singing and silkiest chops in the singing game". One of his first signature vocal performances was with Sam Cooke as the second voice on the classic "Bring It On Home To Me". He won his first of three Grammy awards in 1967 for his Top 40 hit "Dead End Street". It was the second of six Top 40 hits for Lou. A switch to Philadelphia International Records in 1976 resulted in his commercial peak with the #2 charting "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine". He was a success in the advertising world. Locally, he sang the lyrics to "Chicago's Very Own" in 1983 for WGN television. The station still uses the slogan to this day. Nationally, he was famous as a spokesman for the "When You Say Budweiser, You've Said it All" campaign. He was invited to sing the Star-Spangled Banner at many events. One of his best was at US Cellular Field on October 23, 2005 before game 2 of the World Series. He began the "Lou Rawls Parade of Stars" telethon in 1980, benefitting the United Negro College Fund, raising millions of dollars during his tenure. His final performances were on the telethon that aired in 2006, performing "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life" and "It Was A Very Good Year". The silky voiced baritone lost his life to cancer on January 6, 2006. His first Top 40 hit from 1966 would peak at #13 and top the R&B charts. Love Is A Hurtin' Thing - Lou RawlsA favorite from 1971, this one peaked at #17 on both the Hot 100 and the R&B charts. A Natural Man - Lou RawlsDecember 1: ...Doors drummer John Densmore. For all the platitudes heaped upon Jim Morrison, I found that keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger and drummer John Densmore were the perfect complement for his lyrics and vocals. In most cases, you knew when a Doors song was on the radio even before Jim kicked in with the vocals. The band truly had a signature sound. After Jim's death, the trio carried on for two more albums before disbanding in 1973. Densmore and Krieger fronted The Butts Band for a couple of albums before breaking up in 1975. By 1980, he left rock and roll altogether, performing in the world of dance and acting on stage and screen. He wrote his best selling autobiography "Riders On The Storm" in 1990, as was a technical advisor for the 1991 bio-pic "The Doors". He has feuded with Robbie Krieger and the late Ray Manzarek through the years over the commercialization of the Doors music (John being in the "con" side.) and proper use of the band's name. Details were released in his 2013 book "The Doors Unhinged". Their #1 single "Light My Fire" was actually their second 45 release. Their first single bubbled under for a week at #126 in early April 1967. Break On Through (To The Other Side) - The DoorsThis lost 70s classic featured John Sebastian on harmonica. Roadhouse Blues - The Doors
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Post by 1finemrg on Dec 2, 2016 6:24:48 GMT -5
December 2: ... Nelly Furtado. The Canadian born singer is of Portuguese descent, her parents having emigrated from the Azores islands in the 1960s. She began her career in hip-hop but soon expanded her musical palate. Her talent was recognized by Gerald Eaton and Brian West of the Philosopher Kings who help produced a demo. A second round of recording with Eaton and West led to a deal with DreamWorks. Her debut album "Whoa! Nelly" released late in 2000, became a hit worldwide. The album was nominated for four Grammys in 2002, and won Best Female Pop Performance for the debut single. She continues performing and recording, having sung at Art Basel Miami on November 30. She spent last Valentine's Day performing the Canadian National Anthem at the NBA All-Star game in Toronto. Nelly has recently released the songs "Behind Your Back" and "Islands Of Me" in advance of her latest effort "The Ride" scheduled for March, 2017. This was her Grammy award winning song... I'm Like A Bird - Nelly Furtado...and her first Hot 100 #1 hit. Promiscuous - Nelly Furtado featuring TimbalandDecember 2: ...Ted Blueschel Jr. Ted was the drummer and percussionist with The Association from its inception in the mid-sixties until his departure in the mid-eighties. He was the last original member to leave the band, although some did return and continue to perform as the Association annually on the Happy Together tour. One of their best pop singles was their last Top 10 hit from 1968. It was included on their fourth album "Birthday". Everything That Touches You - AssociationFrom their previous album "Insight Out", this album track is from the pen of Ted and features him on lead vocals. We Love Us - Association
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Post by 1finemrg on Dec 2, 2016 23:52:06 GMT -5
December 3: ...Don Barnes. Guitarist and one of the founding members of 38 Special, Don's lead vocals have graced many of the bands' hits. Don would remain with the band until 1987. He left for a solo career, but his 1989 solo effort went unreleased. It was lost in the shuffle as A&M Records was in the process of being sold. He rejoined 38 Special in 1992 and continues to perform as the only original remaining member of the band. They are scheduled to perform at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas next week. He was the lead vocalist on the band's first two Hot 100 singles. Rockin' Into The Night - 38 SpecialHold On Loosely - 38 SpecialDecember 3: ...Mickey Thomas. One of the best sounding rock voices, Mickey joined Jefferson Starship after the departure of Marty Balin and Grace Slick. Grace would return and they would duet on many of the later Jefferson Starship hits. With the name change to Starship in the mid-80s, Mickey & Grace's dual lead vocals would continue powering the band to three #1 singles before Grace's departure in 1988. Mickey continues to perform today as Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas. One of his best with Jefferson Starship from the 1981 "Modern Times" album, this single deserved to be a Top 10 smash. Instead it settled for a #28 peak. Find Your Way Back - Jefferson StarshipHis best vocal performance was prior to joining Jefferson Starship. When this band's leader wrote this song, he tried to sing the lead himself but felt it did not fit his vocals. He asked Mickey who was a background vocalist for the band at the time to sing lead. It became a huge hit in the spring of 1976, peaking at #3. No 2:58 single edit here. All killer, no filler. Here's the 4:44 album version. Fooled Around And Fell In Love - Elvin Bishop Group
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Post by doofus67 on Dec 3, 2016 2:32:42 GMT -5
"Fooled Around" is almost a different song with only half of Bishop's smokin' guitar solo, and no "get out my book and write down her name" verse!
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Post by 1finemrg on Dec 4, 2016 0:43:53 GMT -5
December 4: ...Dennis Wilson. Drummer and only surfer of the Beach Boys, Dennis lived hard and died young. He died at 39, drowning in a boating incident in 1983. With one exception in his early career, Dennis provided harmony vocals and did little song writing. As the sixties turned into the seventies, Dennis stepped more to the forefront as Brian withdrew. Like Brian, Dennis's songs tended to be somewhat brooding, as he also was abused by his father Murry. Years of drug and alcohol abuse took their toll, and he was actually evicted from the band for a short time. In the late seventies, he released a solo effort "Pacific Ocean Blue". Though it was initially not successful, through the years it has become a cult classic. Dennis took lead vocals on this #12 hit from early 1965. It was a remake of a 1958 hit originally written and recorded by Bobby Freeman. Do You Wanna Dance? - Beach BoysOne of his early compositions was released as the "B" side of the "Friends" 45. Little Bird - Beach BoysDecember 4: ...Chris Hillman. He's been called a pioneer of country rock, and his musical pedigree is a long and honored one. The list includes original Byrds member, Flying Burrito Brothers, Manassas, Souther Hillman Furay Band, McGuinn Clark & Hillman, and the Desert Rose Band. He and Graham Parsons helped to usher in the country rock era when the Byrds released the album "Sweetheart of the Rodeo". He continues that tradition today, touring with fellow ex-Desert Rose Band member Herb Pedersen. Picked up a copy of this great Byrds single last month. Written by Chris Hillman, this was the third single release from the "Younger Than Yesterday" album. It remains an overlooked Byrds classic, peaking at #74 in 1967. Have You Seen Her Face - ByrdsHe co-wrote this track included on the first album by Manassas. Released as a single by Stephen Stills, it would peak at #61 in 1972. It Doesn't Matter - Stephen Stills
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