John Barry Prendergast, (3 November 1933 – 30 January 2011) was an English film score composer. He was best known for composing 11 James Bond soundtracks and was hugely influential on the 007 series' distinctive style.
In a career spanning almost 50 years, Barry received a number of awards for his work, including five Academy Awards; two for Born Free, and one each for The Lion in Winter (also won a BAFTA), Out of Africa and Dances with Wolves (which also won a Grammy Award).
He began performing as a musician when he formed The John Barry Seven, with whom he had some hit records playing instrumental music.
The career breakthrough for Barry was the BBC television series Drumbeat, when he appeared with The John Barry Seven and arranged for many of the singers, including Adam Faith.When Faith made his first film Beat Girl in 1960 Barry composed, arranged and conducted the score that was not only Barry's first film, but the first soundtrack album to be released on an LP in the UK.
Barry was employed by the EMI record company from 1959 until 1962 arranging orchestral accompaniment for the company's recording artists. From 1962 Barry transferred to Ember Records where he produced albums as well as arranging them.
These achievements caught the attention of the producers of a new film called Dr.
No who were dissatisfied with a theme for James Bond given to them by Monty Norman. Barry was hired and the result would be one of the most famous signature tunes in film history, the "James Bond Theme".
Sole compositional credit for the "James Bond Theme" is attributed to Monty Norman, who was contracted as composer for Dr. No. However, Barry, while not publicly denying that, has implied otherwise. In 2001, when Norman sued The Sunday Times for publishing that claim in a 1997 article naming Barry as the true composer; Barry testified for the defense.
In court, Barry declared he had been handed a musical manuscript of a work by Norman (meant to become the theme) and that he was to arrange it musically, and that he composed additional music and arranged the "James Bond Theme". The court also was told that Norman received sole credit because of his prior contract with the producers. The verdict was that Monty Norman composed at least part and maybe all of the "James Bond Theme". How much, remains an open question.
After the success of Dr. No, Barry scored eleven of the next 14 James Bond films (but with Monty Norman continually credited as the composer of the "James Bond Theme").
One of Barry's best known compositions is the theme for the 1971 TV series The Persuaders!, also known as "The Unlucky Heroes", in which Tony Curtis and Roger Moore were paired as rich playboys solving crimes.
John Barry,a giant among modern composers, died suddenly from a heart attack on 30 January 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
This day in music history
1953, Perry Como was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes'. The American singer and television personalities first hit - Como was a seventh son of a seventh son.
1957, Decca Records announced that Bill Haley & His Comets, 'Rock Around The Clock' had sold over a million copies in the UK, mostly on 10inch 78's.
1970, American blues musician Slim Harpo died of a heart attack while recording in London aged 46. Had the 1966 US No.16 single 'Baby Scratch My Back'. The Rolling Stones, Pretty Things, Yardbirds and Them all covered his songs.
1970, The Jackson Five went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'I Want You Back'. The song was originally written for Gladys Knight & The Pips and was the first of four No.1's for the group. It made No.2 in the UK.
1976, Abba knocked Queen from the UK No.1 position on the UK singles chart with 'Mamma Mia.' Queen's single 'Bohemian Rhapsody' had enjoyed a nine week run at the top of the charts, by coincidence, Queen's single contains the famous "mamma mia, mamma mia, mamma mia let me go" line.
1976, 'The Best Of Roy Orbison' went to No.1 on the UK album chart.
1978, Greg Herbert saxophone player with Blood Sweat & Tears died of an accidental drug overdose in Amsterdam, Holland aged 30. 1969 Blood, Sweat & Tears won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
1981, Blondie went to No.1 on the US singles hart with 'The Tide Is High', the group's third US No.1, also a No.1 in the UK.
1987, Paul Simon went back to No. 1 on the UK album chart with 'Graceland', the album stayed on the chart for 101 weeks.
1990, The Stone Roses were granted conditional bail by Wolverhampton Magistrates court after the band had trashed their record company's offices.
2003, Robbie Williams topped a chart based on UK album sales from the past 5 years. The ex Take That singer had sold 9.7 million albums in Britain, an average of more than 5,000 every day. The Corrs were in second place with 5.8m sales, Westlife in third with 5.1, Madonna in fourth with 5m and The Beatles in fifth with 4.7m.
2007, Jim Morrison was enlisted to help fight global warming more than 35 years after his death. ‘Woman in the Window’, a previously unreleased poem written and recorded by The Doors frontman shortly before he died in 1971 was being set to music and used to publicise the Global Cool campaign.
1946, Born on this day, Terry Kath, guitarist with Chicago, (1976 UK & US No.1 single with ‘If You Leave Me Now’). Kath accidentally shot himself dead on January 23rd 1978. Kath’s last words were "Don't worry it's not loaded" as he put the gun to his head and pulled the trigger. The guitarist and singer was killed instantly.
1951, Born on this day, Harry Wayne Casey, KC and the Sunshine Band, (1975 US No.1 single 'That's The Way, I Like It', 1983 UK No.1 single 'Give It Up').
1951, Born on this day, Phil Manzanera, guitar, Roxy Music, (1972 UK No.4 single 'Virginia Plain' plus 15 other UK Top 40 singles).
1954, Born on this day, Adrian Vandenburg, guitar, Whitesnake, (1987 US No.1 & UK No.9 single 'Here I Go Again').
1956, Born on this day, John Lydon, (Johnny Rotten,) singer, Sex Pistols, (1977 UK No.2 single 'God Save The Queen' and 1977 UK No.1 album 'Never Mind The Bollocks Here's The Sex Pistols'). Public Image Ltd, (1983 UK No.5 single 'This Is Not A Love Song').
1961, Born on this day, Lloyd Cole, vocals, guitar, Lloyd Cole and the Commotions, (1985 UK No.19 single 'Brand New Friend', solo, 1995 UK No.24 'Like Lovers Do').
1981, Born on this day, Justin Timberlake, singer, *NSYNC, (2000 US No.1 single 'It's Gonna Be Me', 1999 UK No.5 single 'I Want You Back'). Solo, (2003 UK No.2 & US No.3 single 'Cry Me A River'). With his first two albums, Timberlake has sold over fourteen million albums worldwide. Has his own record label called Tennman Records.
1957, Decca Records announced that Bill Haley & His Comets, 'Rock Around The Clock' had sold over a million copies in the UK, mostly on 10inch 78's.
1970, American blues musician Slim Harpo died of a heart attack while recording in London aged 46. Had the 1966 US No.16 single 'Baby Scratch My Back'. The Rolling Stones, Pretty Things, Yardbirds and Them all covered his songs.
1970, The Jackson Five went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'I Want You Back'. The song was originally written for Gladys Knight & The Pips and was the first of four No.1's for the group. It made No.2 in the UK.
1976, Abba knocked Queen from the UK No.1 position on the UK singles chart with 'Mamma Mia.' Queen's single 'Bohemian Rhapsody' had enjoyed a nine week run at the top of the charts, by coincidence, Queen's single contains the famous "mamma mia, mamma mia, mamma mia let me go" line.
1976, 'The Best Of Roy Orbison' went to No.1 on the UK album chart.
1978, Greg Herbert saxophone player with Blood Sweat & Tears died of an accidental drug overdose in Amsterdam, Holland aged 30. 1969 Blood, Sweat & Tears won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
1981, Blondie went to No.1 on the US singles hart with 'The Tide Is High', the group's third US No.1, also a No.1 in the UK.
1987, Paul Simon went back to No. 1 on the UK album chart with 'Graceland', the album stayed on the chart for 101 weeks.
1990, The Stone Roses were granted conditional bail by Wolverhampton Magistrates court after the band had trashed their record company's offices.
2003, Robbie Williams topped a chart based on UK album sales from the past 5 years. The ex Take That singer had sold 9.7 million albums in Britain, an average of more than 5,000 every day. The Corrs were in second place with 5.8m sales, Westlife in third with 5.1, Madonna in fourth with 5m and The Beatles in fifth with 4.7m.
2007, Jim Morrison was enlisted to help fight global warming more than 35 years after his death. ‘Woman in the Window’, a previously unreleased poem written and recorded by The Doors frontman shortly before he died in 1971 was being set to music and used to publicise the Global Cool campaign.
1946, Born on this day, Terry Kath, guitarist with Chicago, (1976 UK & US No.1 single with ‘If You Leave Me Now’). Kath accidentally shot himself dead on January 23rd 1978. Kath’s last words were "Don't worry it's not loaded" as he put the gun to his head and pulled the trigger. The guitarist and singer was killed instantly.
1951, Born on this day, Harry Wayne Casey, KC and the Sunshine Band, (1975 US No.1 single 'That's The Way, I Like It', 1983 UK No.1 single 'Give It Up').
1951, Born on this day, Phil Manzanera, guitar, Roxy Music, (1972 UK No.4 single 'Virginia Plain' plus 15 other UK Top 40 singles).
1954, Born on this day, Adrian Vandenburg, guitar, Whitesnake, (1987 US No.1 & UK No.9 single 'Here I Go Again').
1956, Born on this day, John Lydon, (Johnny Rotten,) singer, Sex Pistols, (1977 UK No.2 single 'God Save The Queen' and 1977 UK No.1 album 'Never Mind The Bollocks Here's The Sex Pistols'). Public Image Ltd, (1983 UK No.5 single 'This Is Not A Love Song').
1961, Born on this day, Lloyd Cole, vocals, guitar, Lloyd Cole and the Commotions, (1985 UK No.19 single 'Brand New Friend', solo, 1995 UK No.24 'Like Lovers Do').
1981, Born on this day, Justin Timberlake, singer, *NSYNC, (2000 US No.1 single 'It's Gonna Be Me', 1999 UK No.5 single 'I Want You Back'). Solo, (2003 UK No.2 & US No.3 single 'Cry Me A River'). With his first two albums, Timberlake has sold over fourteen million albums worldwide. Has his own record label called Tennman Records.
T-Bone Walker - Call It Stormy Monday
Aaron Thibadeaux "T-Bone" Walker (May 28, 1910 — March 16, 1975) was a critically acclaimed American blues guitarist, singer, songwriter and one of the most influential pioneers and innovators of the jump blues and electric blues sound.
He is believed by some biographers to be the first musician to perform playing the electric guitar.
In his prime, circa 1945-1965, Texas-born T-Bone Walker was the Elvis Presley and the Jimi Hendrix of electric blues. He was a national star in the pre-TV era as an early and highly innovative electric guitarist (famed for single-note solos and horn-like chording), an excellent songwriter, a powerful singer, a prolific record-maker, and an acrobatic showman (he'd do splits while playing his big Gibson hollow-body behind his head, or pick the strings with his teeth) After his wild sets, the stages would be littered with jewelry, cash, and panties.
Chuck Berry named Walker as his main influence. B.B. King cites hearing Walker's "Stormy Monday" record as his inspiration for getting an electric guitar. Walker was also the childhood hero of Jimi Hendrix, and Hendrix imitated some of Walker's ways throughout his life.
In September 2003, Rolling Stone ranked him at #47 in their list of "The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time".
The immortal "Call It Stormy Monday" was the product of a 1947 Black & White date with Teddy Buckner on trumpet and invaluable pianist Lloyd Glenn in the backing quintet.
"They call it Stormy Monday,
But Tuesday is just as bad.
Wednesday's worse,
And Thursday's also sad."
He is believed by some biographers to be the first musician to perform playing the electric guitar.
In his prime, circa 1945-1965, Texas-born T-Bone Walker was the Elvis Presley and the Jimi Hendrix of electric blues. He was a national star in the pre-TV era as an early and highly innovative electric guitarist (famed for single-note solos and horn-like chording), an excellent songwriter, a powerful singer, a prolific record-maker, and an acrobatic showman (he'd do splits while playing his big Gibson hollow-body behind his head, or pick the strings with his teeth) After his wild sets, the stages would be littered with jewelry, cash, and panties.
Chuck Berry named Walker as his main influence. B.B. King cites hearing Walker's "Stormy Monday" record as his inspiration for getting an electric guitar. Walker was also the childhood hero of Jimi Hendrix, and Hendrix imitated some of Walker's ways throughout his life.
In September 2003, Rolling Stone ranked him at #47 in their list of "The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time".
The immortal "Call It Stormy Monday" was the product of a 1947 Black & White date with Teddy Buckner on trumpet and invaluable pianist Lloyd Glenn in the backing quintet.
"They call it Stormy Monday,
But Tuesday is just as bad.
Wednesday's worse,
And Thursday's also sad."
Glenn Miller - In the Mood
Alton Glenn Miller (March 1, 1904 – missing December 15, 1944) was an American jazz musician (trombone), arranger, composer, and bandleader. He was the leader of one of the most popular dance bands of the swing era. Miller formed his band in 1937. His music was characterized by the precise execution of arrangements that featured a clarinet doubling the saxophone melody. Broadcasts beginning in 1939 brought the band national exposure and millions of fans.
Miller's signature recordings include In the Mood, American Patrol, Chattanooga Choo Choo, A String of Pearls, Tuxedo Junction, Moonlight Serenade, Little Brown Jug and Pennsylvania 6-5000. Miller disbanded in 1942 to join the war effort by leading a military band.While he was traveling to entertain U.S. troops in France during World War II, Miller's plane disappeared in bad weather over the English Channel. His body has never been found.
"In the Mood" was composed by Joe Garland and Andy Razaf and arranged by Miller, although the main theme had been previously heard. Miller's rendition topped the charts in 1940 and one year later was featured in the movie Sun Valley Serenade. The Glenn Miller 1939 was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1983.
The recording by Glenn Miller is one of the most recognized and most popular instrumentals of the 20th century. The song even appeared in The Beatles "All You Need is Love" #1 single in 1967 which included excerpts played by saxophone and in the Jive Bunny and the Mastermixers rendition in 1989, "Swing the Mood", a no. 1 smash hit around the world.
Miller's signature recordings include In the Mood, American Patrol, Chattanooga Choo Choo, A String of Pearls, Tuxedo Junction, Moonlight Serenade, Little Brown Jug and Pennsylvania 6-5000. Miller disbanded in 1942 to join the war effort by leading a military band.While he was traveling to entertain U.S. troops in France during World War II, Miller's plane disappeared in bad weather over the English Channel. His body has never been found.
"In the Mood" was composed by Joe Garland and Andy Razaf and arranged by Miller, although the main theme had been previously heard. Miller's rendition topped the charts in 1940 and one year later was featured in the movie Sun Valley Serenade. The Glenn Miller 1939 was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1983.
The recording by Glenn Miller is one of the most recognized and most popular instrumentals of the 20th century. The song even appeared in The Beatles "All You Need is Love" #1 single in 1967 which included excerpts played by saxophone and in the Jive Bunny and the Mastermixers rendition in 1989, "Swing the Mood", a no. 1 smash hit around the world.
Billie Holiday - God Bless the Child
Billie Holiday (born Eleanora Fagan April 7, 1915 – July 17, 1959) was an American jazz singer and songwriter. Holiday was a seminal influence on jazz and pop singing. Her vocal style, strongly inspired by jazz instrumentalists, pioneered a new way of manipulating phrasing and tempo.
She co-wrote only a few songs, but several of them have become jazz standards, notably "God Bless the Child", "Don't Explain", "Fine and Mellow", and "Lady Sings the Blues." She also became famous for singing "Easy Living," "Good Morning Heartache," and "Strange Fruit".
Billie Holiday began her recording career on a high note with her first major release "Riffin' the Scotch" selling 5,000 copies. The song was released under the band name "Benny Goodman & his Orchestra." Most of Holiday's early successes were released under another band name "Teddy Wilson & his Orchestra."
In July 1936, Holiday began releasing sides under her own name. Most noteworthy, the popular jazz standard "Summertime," sold well and was listed on the available pop charts at the time at number 12, the first time the jazz standard charted under any artist.
"God Bless the Child" was written by Billie Holiday and Arthur Herzog, Jr. in 1939, first recorded on May 9, 1941 . It became Holiday's most popular and covered record. It reached number 25 on the record charts in 1941 and ranked third in Billboard's top songs of the year, selling over a million records.
In 1976, the song was added to the Grammy Hall of Fame. It was also included in the list of Songs of the Century, by the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts.
The song was inspired by a fight Billie had with her mother.Holiday's mother Sadie Fagan, nicknamed "The Duchess," started her own restaurant called Mom Holiday's. Fagan used the money her daughter earned .Soon, Fagan began borrowing large amounts of money from Holiday because the restaurant wasn't turning a profit. Holiday obliged, but soon fell upon hard times herself. "I needed some money one night and I knew Mom was sure to have some," Holiday said. "So I walked in the restaurant like a stockholder and asked. Mom turned me down flat. She wouldn't give me a cent." The two argued and then, Holiday, in a rage, hollered "God bless the child that's got his own," and stormed out of the restaurant. With help from Herzog wrote the song based on the line "God Bless the Child" and added music.
She co-wrote only a few songs, but several of them have become jazz standards, notably "God Bless the Child", "Don't Explain", "Fine and Mellow", and "Lady Sings the Blues." She also became famous for singing "Easy Living," "Good Morning Heartache," and "Strange Fruit".
Billie Holiday began her recording career on a high note with her first major release "Riffin' the Scotch" selling 5,000 copies. The song was released under the band name "Benny Goodman & his Orchestra." Most of Holiday's early successes were released under another band name "Teddy Wilson & his Orchestra."
In July 1936, Holiday began releasing sides under her own name. Most noteworthy, the popular jazz standard "Summertime," sold well and was listed on the available pop charts at the time at number 12, the first time the jazz standard charted under any artist.
"God Bless the Child" was written by Billie Holiday and Arthur Herzog, Jr. in 1939, first recorded on May 9, 1941 . It became Holiday's most popular and covered record. It reached number 25 on the record charts in 1941 and ranked third in Billboard's top songs of the year, selling over a million records.
In 1976, the song was added to the Grammy Hall of Fame. It was also included in the list of Songs of the Century, by the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts.
The song was inspired by a fight Billie had with her mother.Holiday's mother Sadie Fagan, nicknamed "The Duchess," started her own restaurant called Mom Holiday's. Fagan used the money her daughter earned .Soon, Fagan began borrowing large amounts of money from Holiday because the restaurant wasn't turning a profit. Holiday obliged, but soon fell upon hard times herself. "I needed some money one night and I knew Mom was sure to have some," Holiday said. "So I walked in the restaurant like a stockholder and asked. Mom turned me down flat. She wouldn't give me a cent." The two argued and then, Holiday, in a rage, hollered "God bless the child that's got his own," and stormed out of the restaurant. With help from Herzog wrote the song based on the line "God Bless the Child" and added music.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
This day in music history
1956, Elvis Presley started recording what would be his first album at RCA's New York Studios. Songs recorded included his version the Carl Perkins song 'Blue Suede Shoes'.
1959, Elvis Presley had his third UK No.1 single 'One Night / I Got Stung' a double A side, (originally written and recorded under the title ‘One Night of Sin)’ a revival of the Smiley Lewis's R&B hit. Presley was in the army by the time this song reached No.1.
1961, The Shirelles became the first girl group to have the number one song on the US chart when ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow’ reached the top. The song peaked at No.4 in the UK.
1967, The Beatles went to Knole Park, Sevenoaks, Kent, for the first day of filming for the ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ promotional video. The film was shot in colour, for the benefit of the US market, (UK television was still broadcasting only in black and white).
1969, The Beatles played their lunchtime rooftop gig on top of the Apple building on Savile Row in London. Lasting for just over 40 minutes it was the last time The Beatles performed live.
1972, Paul McCartney wrote and recorded his protest song 'Give Ireland Back To The Irish' within 24 hours of Bloody Sunday, when 13 Catholics were killed by British paratroopers.
1973, After recently changing their name from Wicked Lester, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss made their first appearance as Kiss at the Popcorn Club in Queens, New York.
1975, The Bee Gees begin recording ‘Jive Talkin’, which became their second US chart topper and No.5 UK hit. Barry Gibb's inspiration for the song came when his wife commented on the sound their car made while crossing a bridge over Biscayne Bay into Miami. She noted, "It's our drive talkin'."
1982, American blues guitarist, singer Sam Lightnin Hopkins died of cancer aged 70. Influenced Bob Dylan, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix. R.E.M. recorded a song named after him on their Document album.
1982, Barbra Streisand started a seven-week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with the 'Love Songs LP'.
1982, Hall and Oates went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'I Can Go For That, (No Can Do)' the duo's fourth US No.1, a No.8 hit in the UK.
1988, INXS had their first US No.1 hit single with 'Need You Tonight'.
1988, Terence Trent D'arby went back to No.1 on the UK album chart for an 8 week run with Introducing 'The Hardline To Terence Trent D'arby'.
1988, Tiffany was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'I Think We're Alone Now', the singers only UK No.1 single. The song was a hit for Tommy James & The Shondells in 1967.
1990, Unhappy with the re-issue of the bands early single 'Sally Cinnaman' The Stone Roses trashed their former record company Revolver FM's offices and threw paint over cars. The band were arrested and charged with criminal damage.
1991, 22 years to the day that The Beatles played live on the roof of their London offices, Manchester band James played a live set on the roof of Manchester's Piccadilly radio station attracting several thousand on-lookers.
1999, After spending 11 weeks on the chart Britney Spears started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with '...Baby One More Time.' Britney's debut album also went to No.1 on the US chart on the same day
1999, In the NME readers poll results the winner of 'The pop personality that you would like as your doctor' was won by singer Natalie Imbruglia.
2000, Gabrielle went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Rise'. The song used a sample from Bob Dylan's 'Knocking On Heaven's Door' giving Dylan his third UK No.1 as a writer, the other two being The Byrds version of 'Mr Tambourine Man' and Manfred Mann's 'The Mighty Quinn'.
1941, Born on this day, Joe Terranova, Danny and the Juniors, (1958 US No.1 & UK No.3 single 'At The Hop').
1942, Born on this day, Martyn Balin, vocals, Jefferson Airplane, (1967 US No.18 single 'White Rabbit').
1947, Born on this day, Steve Marriott, guitarist and singer/songwriter. He was a major influence on many UK bands. Marriott was a member of Small Faces, (1967 UK No.3 & US No.16 single with ‘Itchycoo Park’ plus the 1968 No.1 UK album 'Ogden’s Nut Gone Flake') and Humble Pie, (1969 UK No.4 single with ‘Natural Born Bugie’). He died in a house fire on April 20th 1991.
1951, Born on this day, Phil Collins, drums, piano, vocals, Genesis, (1986 US No.1 'Invisible Touch', 1992 UK No.7 single 'I Can't Dance' plus six UK No.1 albums). Solo, (1988 UK & US No.1 single 'A Groovy Kind Of Love' plus six other US No.1's and four UK No.1 solo albums). Acting roles include Oliver, Buster and Miami Vice, also worked with Brand X.
1959, Elvis Presley had his third UK No.1 single 'One Night / I Got Stung' a double A side, (originally written and recorded under the title ‘One Night of Sin)’ a revival of the Smiley Lewis's R&B hit. Presley was in the army by the time this song reached No.1.
1961, The Shirelles became the first girl group to have the number one song on the US chart when ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow’ reached the top. The song peaked at No.4 in the UK.
1967, The Beatles went to Knole Park, Sevenoaks, Kent, for the first day of filming for the ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ promotional video. The film was shot in colour, for the benefit of the US market, (UK television was still broadcasting only in black and white).
1969, The Beatles played their lunchtime rooftop gig on top of the Apple building on Savile Row in London. Lasting for just over 40 minutes it was the last time The Beatles performed live.
1972, Paul McCartney wrote and recorded his protest song 'Give Ireland Back To The Irish' within 24 hours of Bloody Sunday, when 13 Catholics were killed by British paratroopers.
1973, After recently changing their name from Wicked Lester, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss made their first appearance as Kiss at the Popcorn Club in Queens, New York.
1975, The Bee Gees begin recording ‘Jive Talkin’, which became their second US chart topper and No.5 UK hit. Barry Gibb's inspiration for the song came when his wife commented on the sound their car made while crossing a bridge over Biscayne Bay into Miami. She noted, "It's our drive talkin'."
1982, American blues guitarist, singer Sam Lightnin Hopkins died of cancer aged 70. Influenced Bob Dylan, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix. R.E.M. recorded a song named after him on their Document album.
1982, Barbra Streisand started a seven-week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with the 'Love Songs LP'.
1982, Hall and Oates went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'I Can Go For That, (No Can Do)' the duo's fourth US No.1, a No.8 hit in the UK.
1988, INXS had their first US No.1 hit single with 'Need You Tonight'.
1988, Terence Trent D'arby went back to No.1 on the UK album chart for an 8 week run with Introducing 'The Hardline To Terence Trent D'arby'.
1988, Tiffany was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'I Think We're Alone Now', the singers only UK No.1 single. The song was a hit for Tommy James & The Shondells in 1967.
1990, Unhappy with the re-issue of the bands early single 'Sally Cinnaman' The Stone Roses trashed their former record company Revolver FM's offices and threw paint over cars. The band were arrested and charged with criminal damage.
1991, 22 years to the day that The Beatles played live on the roof of their London offices, Manchester band James played a live set on the roof of Manchester's Piccadilly radio station attracting several thousand on-lookers.
1999, After spending 11 weeks on the chart Britney Spears started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with '...Baby One More Time.' Britney's debut album also went to No.1 on the US chart on the same day
1999, In the NME readers poll results the winner of 'The pop personality that you would like as your doctor' was won by singer Natalie Imbruglia.
2000, Gabrielle went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Rise'. The song used a sample from Bob Dylan's 'Knocking On Heaven's Door' giving Dylan his third UK No.1 as a writer, the other two being The Byrds version of 'Mr Tambourine Man' and Manfred Mann's 'The Mighty Quinn'.
1941, Born on this day, Joe Terranova, Danny and the Juniors, (1958 US No.1 & UK No.3 single 'At The Hop').
1942, Born on this day, Martyn Balin, vocals, Jefferson Airplane, (1967 US No.18 single 'White Rabbit').
1947, Born on this day, Steve Marriott, guitarist and singer/songwriter. He was a major influence on many UK bands. Marriott was a member of Small Faces, (1967 UK No.3 & US No.16 single with ‘Itchycoo Park’ plus the 1968 No.1 UK album 'Ogden’s Nut Gone Flake') and Humble Pie, (1969 UK No.4 single with ‘Natural Born Bugie’). He died in a house fire on April 20th 1991.
1951, Born on this day, Phil Collins, drums, piano, vocals, Genesis, (1986 US No.1 'Invisible Touch', 1992 UK No.7 single 'I Can't Dance' plus six UK No.1 albums). Solo, (1988 UK & US No.1 single 'A Groovy Kind Of Love' plus six other US No.1's and four UK No.1 solo albums). Acting roles include Oliver, Buster and Miami Vice, also worked with Brand X.
Erland And The Carnival - Map of an Englishman
Erland And The Carnival are a folk-rock group, formed by multi-instrumentalist Simon Tong (The Verve, The Good, The Bad And The Queen) David Nock (The Orb, The Cult, The Fireman) and Orcadian singer Erland Cooper.
They mix traditional folk music with Americana, garage and psychedelia.
They are best known for their contemporary arrangements of traditional Scottish and English folk songs, including "Tramps and Hawkers", "Was You Ever See" and "Love Is a Killing Thing", collected by Ralph Vaughan Williams.
They mix traditional folk music with Americana, garage and psychedelia.
They are best known for their contemporary arrangements of traditional Scottish and English folk songs, including "Tramps and Hawkers", "Was You Ever See" and "Love Is a Killing Thing", collected by Ralph Vaughan Williams.
Arcade Fire - Ready to Start
Arcade Fire is an indie rock band based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The band consists of the husband and wife duo of Win Butler and Régine Chassagne, along with Will Butler, Richard Reed Parry, Tim Kingsbury, Jeremy Gara, and Sarah Neufeld.
The band plays guitar, drums, bass guitar, piano, violin, viola, cello, double bass, xylophone, glockenspiel, keyboard, French horn, accordion, harp, mandolin and hurdy-gurdy. The band takes most of their instruments on tour, and the multi-instrumentalist band members switch instrumental duties throughout their shows.
Arcade Fire have won numerous awards, for their albums Funeral ,Neon Bible and their third studio album, The Suburbs, in 2010 to further critical and commercial success, receiving another Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Album, as well as a nomination for Album of the Year.
The single "Ready to Start" was nominated for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. An eerie, hanging violin note and reverb heavy, single-note guitar line give way to a driving punk rhythm on the drums and bass.
Ready To Start is the first time we see Arcade Fire using synth sweeps to create atmospheric sounds in place of their more traditional violins.The artfully shot black-and-white video of the song focuses on the band at work in one of those huge venues, giving the band's rampaging, huger-than-life live show the cinematic treatment it demands.
The band plays guitar, drums, bass guitar, piano, violin, viola, cello, double bass, xylophone, glockenspiel, keyboard, French horn, accordion, harp, mandolin and hurdy-gurdy. The band takes most of their instruments on tour, and the multi-instrumentalist band members switch instrumental duties throughout their shows.
Arcade Fire have won numerous awards, for their albums Funeral ,Neon Bible and their third studio album, The Suburbs, in 2010 to further critical and commercial success, receiving another Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Album, as well as a nomination for Album of the Year.
The single "Ready to Start" was nominated for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. An eerie, hanging violin note and reverb heavy, single-note guitar line give way to a driving punk rhythm on the drums and bass.
Ready To Start is the first time we see Arcade Fire using synth sweeps to create atmospheric sounds in place of their more traditional violins.The artfully shot black-and-white video of the song focuses on the band at work in one of those huge venues, giving the band's rampaging, huger-than-life live show the cinematic treatment it demands.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
This day in music history
1968, The Doors appeared at The Pussy Cat A Go Go, Las Vegas.
After the show singer Jim Morrison taunts a security guard in the parking lot by pretending to smoke a joint, resulting in a fight. The police arrive who arrest Morrison and charge him with vagrancy, public drunkenness, and failure to possess sufficient identification.
1969, Fleetwood Mac had their only UK No.1 single with the instrumental 'Albatross.'
1972, The triple album 'The Concert For Bangla Desh' went to No.1 on the UK album chart. Organised by George Harrison to raise funds for the people caught up in the war and famine from the area. The set featured; Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, Eric Clapton, Ravi Shankar and members from Badfinger.
1979, 16-year-old Brenda Spencer killed two people and wounded nine others when she fired from her house across the street onto the entrance of San Diego's Grover Cleveland Elementary School. Spencer fired the shot's from a .22-caliber rifle her father had given her for Christmas. When asked why she did it, she answered “I don't like Mondays.” The Boomtown Rats went on to write and recorded a song based on the event.
1982, Shakin' Stevens was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Oh Julie', the Welsh singers third UK No.1. Barry Manilow covered the song in the US.
1983, Australian group Men At Work went to No.1 on the British and American singles and album charts simultaneously with 'Down Under' and 'Business As Usual'. The last artist to achieve this was Rod Stewart in 1971.
1989, Marc Almond started a four-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Something's Gotten Hold Of My Heart' with guest vocals from Gene Pitney, (who had a hit with the song in 1967.
1992, American blues singer and guitarist Willie Dixon died of heart failure. Wrote the classic songs: ‘You Shook Me’, I Can’t Quit You Baby’, ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’, ‘I Just Want to Make Love to You’, ‘Little Red Rooster.’ Dixon was a major influence on The Rolling Stones, Cream, Yardbirds and Led Zeppelin.
1996, George Michael had the UK No.1 single with 'Jesus To A Child', the singers sixth UK No.1 as a solo artist and the first single from his come-back album 'Older', (after lengthy litigation with his record company).
2006, Arctic Monkeys went to No.1 on the UK album chart with their debut album 'Whatever People Say I Am That's What I'm Not'. The Sheffield-based bands album became the fastest-selling debut in chart history after shifting more than 360,000 copies in its first week of release.
2009, Singer-songwriter John Martyn died in hospital in Ireland at the age of 60. The folk, blues and funk artist was widely regarded as one of the most soulful and innovative singer-songwriters of his generation and had been cited as an influence by artists as varied as U2, Portishead and Eric Clapton.
1947, Born on this day, David Byron, singer, Uriah Heep, (1975 UK No.7 album 'Return To Fantasy'). Byron died on 28th February 1985.
1961, Born on this day, Dave Baynton-Power, drums, James, (1991 UK No.2 single 'Sit Down').
1964, Born on this day, Roddy Frame, guitarist, singer, songwriter, Aztec Camera, (1988 UK No.3 single 'Somewhere In My Heart').
1969, Fleetwood Mac had their only UK No.1 single with the instrumental 'Albatross.'
1972, The triple album 'The Concert For Bangla Desh' went to No.1 on the UK album chart. Organised by George Harrison to raise funds for the people caught up in the war and famine from the area. The set featured; Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, Eric Clapton, Ravi Shankar and members from Badfinger.
1979, 16-year-old Brenda Spencer killed two people and wounded nine others when she fired from her house across the street onto the entrance of San Diego's Grover Cleveland Elementary School. Spencer fired the shot's from a .22-caliber rifle her father had given her for Christmas. When asked why she did it, she answered “I don't like Mondays.” The Boomtown Rats went on to write and recorded a song based on the event.
1982, Shakin' Stevens was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Oh Julie', the Welsh singers third UK No.1. Barry Manilow covered the song in the US.
1983, Australian group Men At Work went to No.1 on the British and American singles and album charts simultaneously with 'Down Under' and 'Business As Usual'. The last artist to achieve this was Rod Stewart in 1971.
1989, Marc Almond started a four-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Something's Gotten Hold Of My Heart' with guest vocals from Gene Pitney, (who had a hit with the song in 1967.
1992, American blues singer and guitarist Willie Dixon died of heart failure. Wrote the classic songs: ‘You Shook Me’, I Can’t Quit You Baby’, ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’, ‘I Just Want to Make Love to You’, ‘Little Red Rooster.’ Dixon was a major influence on The Rolling Stones, Cream, Yardbirds and Led Zeppelin.
1996, George Michael had the UK No.1 single with 'Jesus To A Child', the singers sixth UK No.1 as a solo artist and the first single from his come-back album 'Older', (after lengthy litigation with his record company).
2006, Arctic Monkeys went to No.1 on the UK album chart with their debut album 'Whatever People Say I Am That's What I'm Not'. The Sheffield-based bands album became the fastest-selling debut in chart history after shifting more than 360,000 copies in its first week of release.
2009, Singer-songwriter John Martyn died in hospital in Ireland at the age of 60. The folk, blues and funk artist was widely regarded as one of the most soulful and innovative singer-songwriters of his generation and had been cited as an influence by artists as varied as U2, Portishead and Eric Clapton.
1947, Born on this day, David Byron, singer, Uriah Heep, (1975 UK No.7 album 'Return To Fantasy'). Byron died on 28th February 1985.
1961, Born on this day, Dave Baynton-Power, drums, James, (1991 UK No.2 single 'Sit Down').
1964, Born on this day, Roddy Frame, guitarist, singer, songwriter, Aztec Camera, (1988 UK No.3 single 'Somewhere In My Heart').
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Nirvana was an American rock band that was formed by singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987.
The band established itself as part of the Seattle music scene, releasing its first album Bleach for the independent record label Sub Pop in 1989. After signing to major label DGC Records, Nirvana found unexpected success with "Smells Like Teen Spirit", the band's lead single from its second album Nevermind (1991).
Subsequently, Nirvana entered into the mainstream, bringing along with it a subgenre of alternative rock called grunge. As Nirvana's frontman, Kurt Cobain found himself referred to in the media as the "spokesman of a generation," with Nirvana being considered the "flagship band" of Generation X.
Cobain was uncomfortable with the attention and placed his focus on the band's music, believing Nirvana's message and artistic vision to have been misinterpreted by the public. The third Nirvana studio album In Utero (1993), challenged the group's audience, featuring an abrasive, less-mainstream sound.
Nirvana's brief run ended following the death of Cobain in 1994, but the band's influence and popularity endured in the years that followed. Since its debut, the band has sold over 25 million albums in the United States alone, and over 50 million worldwide.
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" was written by Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl and produced by Butch Vig, the song uses a verse-chorus form where the main four-chord riff is used during the intro and chorus to create an alternating loud and quiet dynamic. This song with its slurred words but catchy chorus made the band famous over night.
It was Nirvana's first and biggest hit, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and placing high on music industry charts all around the world in 1991 and 1992.
In 2000, MTV and Rolling Stone ranked the song third on their joint list of the 100 best pop songs, trailing only The Beatles' "Yesterday" and The Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction." In 2002, NME awarded the song the number two spot on its list of "100 Greatest Singles of All Time,". Rolling Stone ranked "Smells Like Teen Spirit" ninth in its 2004 list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
The band established itself as part of the Seattle music scene, releasing its first album Bleach for the independent record label Sub Pop in 1989. After signing to major label DGC Records, Nirvana found unexpected success with "Smells Like Teen Spirit", the band's lead single from its second album Nevermind (1991).
Subsequently, Nirvana entered into the mainstream, bringing along with it a subgenre of alternative rock called grunge. As Nirvana's frontman, Kurt Cobain found himself referred to in the media as the "spokesman of a generation," with Nirvana being considered the "flagship band" of Generation X.
Cobain was uncomfortable with the attention and placed his focus on the band's music, believing Nirvana's message and artistic vision to have been misinterpreted by the public. The third Nirvana studio album In Utero (1993), challenged the group's audience, featuring an abrasive, less-mainstream sound.
Nirvana's brief run ended following the death of Cobain in 1994, but the band's influence and popularity endured in the years that followed. Since its debut, the band has sold over 25 million albums in the United States alone, and over 50 million worldwide.
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" was written by Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl and produced by Butch Vig, the song uses a verse-chorus form where the main four-chord riff is used during the intro and chorus to create an alternating loud and quiet dynamic. This song with its slurred words but catchy chorus made the band famous over night.
It was Nirvana's first and biggest hit, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and placing high on music industry charts all around the world in 1991 and 1992.
In 2000, MTV and Rolling Stone ranked the song third on their joint list of the 100 best pop songs, trailing only The Beatles' "Yesterday" and The Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction." In 2002, NME awarded the song the number two spot on its list of "100 Greatest Singles of All Time,". Rolling Stone ranked "Smells Like Teen Spirit" ninth in its 2004 list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Radiohead - Creep
Radiohead are an English alternative rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke (vocals, guitars, piano), Jonny Greenwood (guitars, keyboards, other instruments), Ed O'Brien (guitars, backing vocals), Colin Greenwood (bass, synthesisers) and Phil Selway (drums, percussion).
Radiohead released their first single, "Creep", in 1992. The song was initially unsuccessful, but it became a worldwide hit several months after the release of their debut album, Pablo Honey (1993). Radiohead's popularity rose in the United Kingdom with the release of their second album, The Bends (1995).
Radiohead's third album, OK Computer (1997), propelled them to greater international fame. Featuring an expansive sound and themes of modern alienation, OK Computer has often been acclaimed as a landmark record of the 1990s.
Kid A (2000) and Amnesiac (2001) marked an evolution in Radiohead's musical style, as the group incorporated experimental electronic music, Krautrock, post-punk and jazz influences. Hail to the Thief (2003), a mix of guitar-driven rock, electronics and lyrics inspired by war, was the band's final album for their major record label, EMI.
The band's first six albums, had sold more than twenty-five million copies by 2007. Radiohead independently released their seventh album, In Rainbows (2007), originally as a digital download for which customers could set their own price, and later in physical form to critical and chart success.
In 2005, Radiohead were ranked number 73 in Rolling Stone's list of "The Greatest Artists of All Time".
"Creep" is one of Radiohead's biggest hits, and has been used in various media as well as having been covered by a number of musical artists.
Radiohead released their first single, "Creep", in 1992. The song was initially unsuccessful, but it became a worldwide hit several months after the release of their debut album, Pablo Honey (1993). Radiohead's popularity rose in the United Kingdom with the release of their second album, The Bends (1995).
Radiohead's third album, OK Computer (1997), propelled them to greater international fame. Featuring an expansive sound and themes of modern alienation, OK Computer has often been acclaimed as a landmark record of the 1990s.
Kid A (2000) and Amnesiac (2001) marked an evolution in Radiohead's musical style, as the group incorporated experimental electronic music, Krautrock, post-punk and jazz influences. Hail to the Thief (2003), a mix of guitar-driven rock, electronics and lyrics inspired by war, was the band's final album for their major record label, EMI.
The band's first six albums, had sold more than twenty-five million copies by 2007. Radiohead independently released their seventh album, In Rainbows (2007), originally as a digital download for which customers could set their own price, and later in physical form to critical and chart success.
In 2005, Radiohead were ranked number 73 in Rolling Stone's list of "The Greatest Artists of All Time".
"Creep" is one of Radiohead's biggest hits, and has been used in various media as well as having been covered by a number of musical artists.
Amy Winehouse - Back to Black
Amy Winehouse (born 14 September 1983) is an English singer-songwriter, known for her eclectic mix of various musical genres including R&B, soul, and jazz.
Winehouse's 2003 debut album Frank was critically successful in the UK, and was nominated for the Mercury Prize. Her 2006 follow-up album Back to Black led to six Grammy Award nominations and five wins, tying the record for the most wins by a female artist in a single night, and made Winehouse the first British singer to win five Grammys, including three of the "Big Four": Best New Artist, Record of the Year and Song of the Year. On 14 February 2007, she won a BRIT Award for Best British Female Artist and has been credited as being an influence in the rise in popularity of female musicians and soul music and revitalising British music.
However the singer's problems with drug and alcohol abuse, as well as self-destructive behaviour, have become regular tabloid news since 2007.
"Back to Black" was written by Winehouse and Mark Ronson and produced by Ronson, it was released as the album's third single on 30 April 2007 in the United Kingdom and 7 March 2008 in the rest of the world.
Amy's video for Back In Black,directed by Phil Griffin, the music video features a funeral procession in which Winehouse mourns over a grave, which reads "R.I.P. the Heart of Amy Winehouse". Pre-release, the song charted in the UK Singles Chart on downloads alone for five consecutive weeks, peaking at number forty. The single charted at number twenty-five once it had been released in physical format, and has sold around 96,000 copies to date in the UK.
It has spent thirty-four non-consecutive weeks on the UK Singles Chart to date. Channel 4 Music awarded the song ten stars out of ten in its review
Winehouse's 2003 debut album Frank was critically successful in the UK, and was nominated for the Mercury Prize. Her 2006 follow-up album Back to Black led to six Grammy Award nominations and five wins, tying the record for the most wins by a female artist in a single night, and made Winehouse the first British singer to win five Grammys, including three of the "Big Four": Best New Artist, Record of the Year and Song of the Year. On 14 February 2007, she won a BRIT Award for Best British Female Artist and has been credited as being an influence in the rise in popularity of female musicians and soul music and revitalising British music.
However the singer's problems with drug and alcohol abuse, as well as self-destructive behaviour, have become regular tabloid news since 2007.
"Back to Black" was written by Winehouse and Mark Ronson and produced by Ronson, it was released as the album's third single on 30 April 2007 in the United Kingdom and 7 March 2008 in the rest of the world.
Amy's video for Back In Black,directed by Phil Griffin, the music video features a funeral procession in which Winehouse mourns over a grave, which reads "R.I.P. the Heart of Amy Winehouse". Pre-release, the song charted in the UK Singles Chart on downloads alone for five consecutive weeks, peaking at number forty. The single charted at number twenty-five once it had been released in physical format, and has sold around 96,000 copies to date in the UK.
It has spent thirty-four non-consecutive weeks on the UK Singles Chart to date. Channel 4 Music awarded the song ten stars out of ten in its review
Friday, January 28, 2011
Joy Division - Love Will Tear Us Apart
Joy Division were an English rock band formed in 1976 in Salford, Greater Manchester. Originally named Warsaw, in reference to the song "Warszawa" by David Bowie,the band primarily consisted of Ian Curtis (vocals and occasional guitar), Bernard Sumner (guitar and keyboards),[1] Peter Hook (bass guitar and backing vocals) and Stephen Morris (drums and percussion).
The band renamed themselves Joy Division in early 1978, borrowing their new name from the prostitution wing of a Nazi concentration camp mentioned in the 1955 novel The House of Dolls.
Joy Division rapidly evolved from their initial punk rock influences to develop a sound and style that pioneered the post-punk movement of the late 1970s. Despite their short career and cult status, Joy Division have exerted a wide-reaching influence.
They became the first band in the post-punk movement by...emphasizing not anger and energy but mood and expression, pointing ahead to the rise of melancholy alternative music in the '80s. The band's dark and gloomy sound presaged the gothic rock genre. While the term "gothic" originally described a "doomy atmosphere" in music of the late 1970s, the term was soon applied to specific bands like Bauhaus that followed in Joy Division's wake.
Their self-released 1978 debut EP, An Ideal for Living, caught the attention of the Manchester television personality Tony Wilson. Joy Division's debut album, Unknown Pleasures, was released in 1979 on Wilson's independent record label Factory Records, and drew critical acclaim from the British press. Despite the band's growing success, vocalist Ian Curtis was beset with depression and personal difficulties, including a dissolving marriage and his diagnosis with epilepsy. Curtis found it increasingly difficult to perform at live concerts, and often had seizures during performances.
On the eve of the band's first American tour in May 1980, Curtis, overwhelmed with depression, committed suicide. Joy Division's posthumously released second album, Closer (1980), and the single "Love Will Tear Us Apart" became the band's highest charting releases. After the death of Curtis, the remaining members reformed as New Order, achieving critical and commercial success.
"Love Will Tear Us Apart" was written in August and September 1979,. It is one of the few songs in which singer Ian Curtis played guitar (albeit somewhat minimally). The song was first released in April 1980 and, after Curtis's suicide that May, became the band's first chart hit, reaching number 13 in the UK. The band postponed their US tour after his death, performed a few short sets as The No-Names, then finally renamed the group as New Order.
The band renamed themselves Joy Division in early 1978, borrowing their new name from the prostitution wing of a Nazi concentration camp mentioned in the 1955 novel The House of Dolls.
Joy Division rapidly evolved from their initial punk rock influences to develop a sound and style that pioneered the post-punk movement of the late 1970s. Despite their short career and cult status, Joy Division have exerted a wide-reaching influence.
They became the first band in the post-punk movement by...emphasizing not anger and energy but mood and expression, pointing ahead to the rise of melancholy alternative music in the '80s. The band's dark and gloomy sound presaged the gothic rock genre. While the term "gothic" originally described a "doomy atmosphere" in music of the late 1970s, the term was soon applied to specific bands like Bauhaus that followed in Joy Division's wake.
Their self-released 1978 debut EP, An Ideal for Living, caught the attention of the Manchester television personality Tony Wilson. Joy Division's debut album, Unknown Pleasures, was released in 1979 on Wilson's independent record label Factory Records, and drew critical acclaim from the British press. Despite the band's growing success, vocalist Ian Curtis was beset with depression and personal difficulties, including a dissolving marriage and his diagnosis with epilepsy. Curtis found it increasingly difficult to perform at live concerts, and often had seizures during performances.
On the eve of the band's first American tour in May 1980, Curtis, overwhelmed with depression, committed suicide. Joy Division's posthumously released second album, Closer (1980), and the single "Love Will Tear Us Apart" became the band's highest charting releases. After the death of Curtis, the remaining members reformed as New Order, achieving critical and commercial success.
"Love Will Tear Us Apart" was written in August and September 1979,. It is one of the few songs in which singer Ian Curtis played guitar (albeit somewhat minimally). The song was first released in April 1980 and, after Curtis's suicide that May, became the band's first chart hit, reaching number 13 in the UK. The band postponed their US tour after his death, performed a few short sets as The No-Names, then finally renamed the group as New Order.
U2 - Sunday Bloody Sunday
U2 are an Irish rock band formed in Dublin in 1976. The group consists of Bono (vocals and guitar), The Edge (guitar, keyboards and vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen, Jr. (drums and percussion).
U2's early sound was indebted to post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music. Throughout the group's musical pursuits, they have maintained a recognisable sound built on melodic instrumentals, highlighted by The Edge's textural guitar playing and Bono's expressive vocals. Their lyrics, often embellished with spiritual imagery, focus on personal themes and sociopolitical concerns.
The band formed while the members were teenagers with limited musical proficiency. Within four years, they signed to Island Records and released their debut album Boy. By the mid-1980s, they became a top international act. They were more successful as live performers than they were at selling records, until their 1987 breakthrough album The Joshua Tree which, according to Rolling Stone, elevated the band's stature "from heroes to superstars".
U2 have released 12 studio albums and are among the best-selling groups in popular music. They have won 22 Grammy Awards, more than any other band, and they have sold more than 150 million records. Rolling Stone ranked U2 at number 22 in its list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time".
Throughout their career, as a band and as individuals, they have campaigned for human rights and philanthropic causes, including Amnesty International, the ONE/DATA campaigns, Product Red, and The Edge's Music Rising.
"Sunday Bloody Sunday" is the opening track from U2's 1983 album, War. The song is noted for its militaristic drumbeat, harsh guitar, and melodic harmonies. One of U2's most overtly political songs, its lyrics describe the horror felt by an observer of The Troubles in Northern Ireland, mainly focusing on the Bloody Sunday incident in Derry where British troops shot and killed civil rights marchers.
Critics rate it among the best political protest songs and it has been covered by over a dozen artists. It was named the 268th greatest song by Rolling Stone on their list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time". In 2006, Q named "Sunday Bloody Sunday" the 18th-greatest song of the 1980s. The staff of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame selected "Sunday Bloody Sunday" as one of 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. The New Statesman listed it as one of the Top 20 Political Songs.
Along with "New Year's Day", the song helped U2 reach a wider listening audience.
It has been performed more than 600 times by U2. Bono was always introducing the song with the statement "This is not a rebel song, highlighting the non-partisan intentions of the lyrics.
U2's early sound was indebted to post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music. Throughout the group's musical pursuits, they have maintained a recognisable sound built on melodic instrumentals, highlighted by The Edge's textural guitar playing and Bono's expressive vocals. Their lyrics, often embellished with spiritual imagery, focus on personal themes and sociopolitical concerns.
The band formed while the members were teenagers with limited musical proficiency. Within four years, they signed to Island Records and released their debut album Boy. By the mid-1980s, they became a top international act. They were more successful as live performers than they were at selling records, until their 1987 breakthrough album The Joshua Tree which, according to Rolling Stone, elevated the band's stature "from heroes to superstars".
U2 have released 12 studio albums and are among the best-selling groups in popular music. They have won 22 Grammy Awards, more than any other band, and they have sold more than 150 million records. Rolling Stone ranked U2 at number 22 in its list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time".
Throughout their career, as a band and as individuals, they have campaigned for human rights and philanthropic causes, including Amnesty International, the ONE/DATA campaigns, Product Red, and The Edge's Music Rising.
"Sunday Bloody Sunday" is the opening track from U2's 1983 album, War. The song is noted for its militaristic drumbeat, harsh guitar, and melodic harmonies. One of U2's most overtly political songs, its lyrics describe the horror felt by an observer of The Troubles in Northern Ireland, mainly focusing on the Bloody Sunday incident in Derry where British troops shot and killed civil rights marchers.
Critics rate it among the best political protest songs and it has been covered by over a dozen artists. It was named the 268th greatest song by Rolling Stone on their list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time". In 2006, Q named "Sunday Bloody Sunday" the 18th-greatest song of the 1980s. The staff of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame selected "Sunday Bloody Sunday" as one of 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. The New Statesman listed it as one of the Top 20 Political Songs.
Along with "New Year's Day", the song helped U2 reach a wider listening audience.
It has been performed more than 600 times by U2. Bono was always introducing the song with the statement "This is not a rebel song, highlighting the non-partisan intentions of the lyrics.
The Clash - London Calling
The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk. Along with punk, their music incorporated elements of reggae, ska, dub, funk, rap, dance, and rockabilly. For most of their recording career, The Clash consisted of Joe Strummer (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Mick Jones (lead guitar, vocals), Paul Simonon (bass guitar, backing vocals, occasional lead vocals) and Nicky "Topper" Headon (drums, percussion). Headon left the group in 1982, and internal friction led to Jones's departure the following year. The group continued with new members, but finally disbanded in early 1986.
The Clash achieved commercial success in the United Kingdom with the release of their debut album, The Clash, in 1977. Their third album, London Calling, released in the UK in December 1979, brought them popularity in the United States when it came out there the following month. Critically acclaimed, it was declared the best album of the 1980s a decade later by Rolling Stone magazine.
The Clash's politicized lyrics, musical experimentation and rebellious attitude had a far-reaching influence on rock, alternative rock in particular. They became widely referred to as "The Only Band That Matters", originally a promotional slogan introduced by the group's record label, CBS. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked The Clash number 30 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
In August and September 1979, The Clash recorded the double album London Calling. It was a mix of punk rock, reggae, ska, rockabilly, traditional rock and roll and other elements possessed of an energy that had hardly flagged since the band's early days and more polished production.
It is regarded as one of the greatest rock albums ever recorded. The cover of the album, based on the cover of Elvis Presley's self-titled 1956 debut LP, became one of the best known in the history of rock. Its image of Simonon smashing his bass guitar was later cited as the "best rock 'n roll photograph of all time" by Q magazine.
London Calling, the song, was written by Joe Strummer and Mick Jones. The title alludes to the BBC World Service's station identification: "This is London calling ...", that was used during World War II, often in broadcasts to occupied countries. The lyrics reflect the concern felt by Strummer about world events with the reference to "a nuclear error" to the incident at Three Mile Island, which occurred earlier in 1979 in Pennsylvania.
Strummer's lyrics also discuss the problems of rising unemployment, racial conflict and drug use in Britain. It reached number 11 on the UK Singles Chart.The song's music video, directed by Letts, featured the band performing the song on a boat in the pouring rain with the River Thames behind them. In the US, "Train in Vain" backed with "London Calling" was released as a single in February 1980. It reached number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.
Over the years, "London Calling" has become regarded by many critics as the band's finest. In 2004, Rolling Stone rated the song as #15 in its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, the highest position of the band and of any punk rock song.
The Clash achieved commercial success in the United Kingdom with the release of their debut album, The Clash, in 1977. Their third album, London Calling, released in the UK in December 1979, brought them popularity in the United States when it came out there the following month. Critically acclaimed, it was declared the best album of the 1980s a decade later by Rolling Stone magazine.
The Clash's politicized lyrics, musical experimentation and rebellious attitude had a far-reaching influence on rock, alternative rock in particular. They became widely referred to as "The Only Band That Matters", originally a promotional slogan introduced by the group's record label, CBS. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked The Clash number 30 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
In August and September 1979, The Clash recorded the double album London Calling. It was a mix of punk rock, reggae, ska, rockabilly, traditional rock and roll and other elements possessed of an energy that had hardly flagged since the band's early days and more polished production.
It is regarded as one of the greatest rock albums ever recorded. The cover of the album, based on the cover of Elvis Presley's self-titled 1956 debut LP, became one of the best known in the history of rock. Its image of Simonon smashing his bass guitar was later cited as the "best rock 'n roll photograph of all time" by Q magazine.
London Calling, the song, was written by Joe Strummer and Mick Jones. The title alludes to the BBC World Service's station identification: "This is London calling ...", that was used during World War II, often in broadcasts to occupied countries. The lyrics reflect the concern felt by Strummer about world events with the reference to "a nuclear error" to the incident at Three Mile Island, which occurred earlier in 1979 in Pennsylvania.
Strummer's lyrics also discuss the problems of rising unemployment, racial conflict and drug use in Britain. It reached number 11 on the UK Singles Chart.The song's music video, directed by Letts, featured the band performing the song on a boat in the pouring rain with the River Thames behind them. In the US, "Train in Vain" backed with "London Calling" was released as a single in February 1980. It reached number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.
Over the years, "London Calling" has become regarded by many critics as the band's finest. In 2004, Rolling Stone rated the song as #15 in its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, the highest position of the band and of any punk rock song.
This day in music history
1927, Born on this day, Ronnie Scott, jazz musician. Formed his own nine-piece group in 1953, opened the first Ronnie Scott's night club in London in 1959. He played with his own group's at the club, in between presenting the cream of the world's jazz musicians. He died on December 23rd 1996.
1945, Born on this day, Robert Wyatt, Soft Machine and solo singer, (1983 UK No.35 single 'Shipbuilding').
1956, Elvis Presley (with Scotty Moore and Bill Black), made his first National Television appearance on the Dorsey brother's "Stage Show". It was the first of six appearances on the show and the first of eight performances recorded and broadcast from CBS TV in New York City. After the success of their first appearance they were signed to five more in early 1956.
1965, The Moody Blues were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Go Now!' the group's only UK No.1.
1965, The Who made their first appearance on UK TV show Ready Steady Go! To project the desired image, the hand-picked audience consisted only of teens dressed in the current Mod fashion.
1968, Jim Morrison of The Doors was arrested and charged with public drunkenness after harassing a security guard at a Las Vegas adult movie theatre.
1978, The Fleetwood Mac album 'Rumours' went to No.1 on the UK album chart, also a No.1 in the US. The album went on to sell over 15 million copies world- wide and spent over 440 weeks on the UK chart.
1983, British Rock & Roll singer Billy Fury died of heart failure. 1961 UK No.3 single 'Halfway To Paradise', plus 25 other Top 40 UK singles. His 'We Want Billy' (released 1963, with The Tornados) was one of the first live albums in British rock history. Played rock 'n' roller "Stormy Tempest" in the film That'll Be The Day along side David Essex and Ringo Starr.
1984, Frankie Goes To Hollywood started a five-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Relax!' BBC Radio 1 DJ Mike Read expressed on air his distaste for both the record's suggestive sleeve and its lyrics, he announced his refusal to play the record, not knowing that the BBC had decided that the song was not to be played on the BBC anyway. Produced by Trevor Horn the song remained on the chart for 48 weeks.
1985, The recording took place for 'We Are The World' the US equivalent of Band Aid. Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie the all star cast included Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen, Diana Ross, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Daryl Hall, John Oates, Cyndi Lauper, Steve Perry and Bob Geldof.
1988, Eleven years after it was released, The Sex Pistols album 'Never Mind The Bollocks, Here's The Sex Pistols' went Gold in the US with sales over 500,000.
1990, Paul Abdul started a 10-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with 'Forever Your Girl'. Abdul spent sixty-four consecutive weeks on the Billboard 200 before hitting number one, making it the longest time for an album to reach the number one spot.
2000, Saxophonist and bandleader Thomas 'Beans' Bowles died of prostate cancer aged 73. Played on many Motown sessions including Marvin Gaye's, 'What's Going On', Martha and the Vandellas' ‘Heat Wave’ and The Supremes 'Baby Love' and wrote the melody on Stevie Wonder's ‘Fingertips Pt. 2,’
2007, Dreamgirls: Music from the Motion Picture was at No.1 on the US album chart. The musical based on the history of Diana Ross and the Supremes featured Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé Knowles, Eddie Murphy, Jennifer Hudson, Anika Noni Rose and Keith Robinson.
1945, Born on this day, Robert Wyatt, Soft Machine and solo singer, (1983 UK No.35 single 'Shipbuilding').
1956, Elvis Presley (with Scotty Moore and Bill Black), made his first National Television appearance on the Dorsey brother's "Stage Show". It was the first of six appearances on the show and the first of eight performances recorded and broadcast from CBS TV in New York City. After the success of their first appearance they were signed to five more in early 1956.
1965, The Moody Blues were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Go Now!' the group's only UK No.1.
1965, The Who made their first appearance on UK TV show Ready Steady Go! To project the desired image, the hand-picked audience consisted only of teens dressed in the current Mod fashion.
1968, Jim Morrison of The Doors was arrested and charged with public drunkenness after harassing a security guard at a Las Vegas adult movie theatre.
1978, The Fleetwood Mac album 'Rumours' went to No.1 on the UK album chart, also a No.1 in the US. The album went on to sell over 15 million copies world- wide and spent over 440 weeks on the UK chart.
1983, British Rock & Roll singer Billy Fury died of heart failure. 1961 UK No.3 single 'Halfway To Paradise', plus 25 other Top 40 UK singles. His 'We Want Billy' (released 1963, with The Tornados) was one of the first live albums in British rock history. Played rock 'n' roller "Stormy Tempest" in the film That'll Be The Day along side David Essex and Ringo Starr.
1984, Frankie Goes To Hollywood started a five-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Relax!' BBC Radio 1 DJ Mike Read expressed on air his distaste for both the record's suggestive sleeve and its lyrics, he announced his refusal to play the record, not knowing that the BBC had decided that the song was not to be played on the BBC anyway. Produced by Trevor Horn the song remained on the chart for 48 weeks.
1985, The recording took place for 'We Are The World' the US equivalent of Band Aid. Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie the all star cast included Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen, Diana Ross, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Daryl Hall, John Oates, Cyndi Lauper, Steve Perry and Bob Geldof.
1988, Eleven years after it was released, The Sex Pistols album 'Never Mind The Bollocks, Here's The Sex Pistols' went Gold in the US with sales over 500,000.
1990, Paul Abdul started a 10-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with 'Forever Your Girl'. Abdul spent sixty-four consecutive weeks on the Billboard 200 before hitting number one, making it the longest time for an album to reach the number one spot.
2000, Saxophonist and bandleader Thomas 'Beans' Bowles died of prostate cancer aged 73. Played on many Motown sessions including Marvin Gaye's, 'What's Going On', Martha and the Vandellas' ‘Heat Wave’ and The Supremes 'Baby Love' and wrote the melody on Stevie Wonder's ‘Fingertips Pt. 2,’
2007, Dreamgirls: Music from the Motion Picture was at No.1 on the US album chart. The musical based on the history of Diana Ross and the Supremes featured Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé Knowles, Eddie Murphy, Jennifer Hudson, Anika Noni Rose and Keith Robinson.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
This day in music history
1956, Elvis Presley's single, ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ was released by RCA Records, who had just purchased Presley's contract from Sun Records for $35,000. The song sold 300,000 copies in its first week and would eventually sell over a million, becoming Elvis' first Gold record.
1962, The Beatles appeared at Aintree Institute in Aintree, Liverpool. The group had played here many times before but this was their last performance at the venue. Brian Epstein became infuriated when the promoter paid The Beatles' fee (£15 pounds) with handfuls of loose change. Epstein took this as an insult to the group, and made sure that The Beatles never played for that promoter (Brian Kelly) again.
1968, The Bee Gees made their live debut in the US when they played at the Anaheim Centre, California.
1973, Roxy Music won 'the most promising new name', section in the NME reader's poll.
1977, The Clash signed to CBS Records in the UK for £100,000.
1979, Ian Dury And The Blockheads were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick', their only UK chart topper.
1984, Madonna made her first appearance in the UK when she appeared on C4 TV music program The Tube performing 'Holiday'. The show was broadcast live from the Hacienda Club in Manchester.
1994, Oasis made their London live debut when the played at King's Cross Water Rats. The gig was by invite only.
2002, Spanish-American Enrique Iglesias scored his first UK No.1 single with 'Hero'. His father, Julio Iglesias, had a UK No.1 hit in 1981.
1918, Born on this day, Elmore James, US blues guitarist, singer, wrote 'Shake Your Money Maker', covered by Fleetwood Mac in 1968. Influenced Jimi Hendrix, BB King, Keith Richards. James died 24th May 1963.
1930, Born on this day, Bobby Bland, R&B singer, (1963 US R&B No.1 single 'That's The Way Love Is').
1945, Born on this day, Nick Mason, drums, Pink Floyd, (1973 US No.1 & UK No.2 album 'Dark Side Of The Moon' spent a record breaking 741 weeks on the US chart. 1979 UK and US No.1 single ‘Another Brick In The Wall, (part 2)’. Pink Floyd have sold over 200 million albums worldwide.)
1946, Born on this day, Nedra Talley, vocals, The Ronettes, (1963 US No.2 & UK No.4 single 'Be My Baby').
1962, The Beatles appeared at Aintree Institute in Aintree, Liverpool. The group had played here many times before but this was their last performance at the venue. Brian Epstein became infuriated when the promoter paid The Beatles' fee (£15 pounds) with handfuls of loose change. Epstein took this as an insult to the group, and made sure that The Beatles never played for that promoter (Brian Kelly) again.
1968, The Bee Gees made their live debut in the US when they played at the Anaheim Centre, California.
1973, Roxy Music won 'the most promising new name', section in the NME reader's poll.
1977, The Clash signed to CBS Records in the UK for £100,000.
1979, Ian Dury And The Blockheads were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick', their only UK chart topper.
1984, Madonna made her first appearance in the UK when she appeared on C4 TV music program The Tube performing 'Holiday'. The show was broadcast live from the Hacienda Club in Manchester.
1994, Oasis made their London live debut when the played at King's Cross Water Rats. The gig was by invite only.
2002, Spanish-American Enrique Iglesias scored his first UK No.1 single with 'Hero'. His father, Julio Iglesias, had a UK No.1 hit in 1981.
1918, Born on this day, Elmore James, US blues guitarist, singer, wrote 'Shake Your Money Maker', covered by Fleetwood Mac in 1968. Influenced Jimi Hendrix, BB King, Keith Richards. James died 24th May 1963.
1930, Born on this day, Bobby Bland, R&B singer, (1963 US R&B No.1 single 'That's The Way Love Is').
1945, Born on this day, Nick Mason, drums, Pink Floyd, (1973 US No.1 & UK No.2 album 'Dark Side Of The Moon' spent a record breaking 741 weeks on the US chart. 1979 UK and US No.1 single ‘Another Brick In The Wall, (part 2)’. Pink Floyd have sold over 200 million albums worldwide.)
1946, Born on this day, Nedra Talley, vocals, The Ronettes, (1963 US No.2 & UK No.4 single 'Be My Baby').
Led Zeppelin - Stairway to Heaven
Led Zeppelin were an English rock band. Formed in 1968 in London, the group consisted of guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant, drummer John Bonham and bassist John Paul Jones. With their heavy, guitar-driven blues-rock sound, Led Zeppelin are regularly cited as one of the progenitors of heavy metal and hard rock, even though the band's individualistic style drew from many sources. Zeppelin did not release songs from their albums as singles in the United Kingdom, as they preferred to develop the concept of "album-oriented rock".
The band have sold over 300 million albums worldwide,including 111.5 million certified units in the United States, making them one of the world's best-selling music artists of all time, as well as the second best selling band of all time in the United States, only behind The Beatles. They have had all of their original studio albums reach the top 10 of the Billboard album chart in the US, with six reaching the number one spot. Rolling Stone magazine has described Led Zeppelin as "the heaviest band of all time", "the biggest band of the '70s" and "unquestionably one of the most enduring bands in rock history. Similarly, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame described the band as being "as influential in that decade [70s] as The Beatles were in the prior one."
Led Zeppelin remain one of the most bootlegged artists in the history of rock music. In August 1999, the band topped the list of Britain's most bootlegged musicians with 384 bootleg titles, compiled by the Anti-Piracy Unit of British Phonographic Industry.
Stairway to Heaven" released in late 1971. It was composed by guitarist Jimmy Page and vocalist Robert Plant for the band's untitled fourth studio album (usually referred to as Led Zeppelin IV). The song, running almost eight minutes, is composed of several sections, which increase in tempo and volume as the song progresses. The song begins as a slow acoustic-based folk song accompanied by recorders, before electric instrumentation is introduced.
The final section is a high-tempo hard rock section highlighted by an intricate guitar solo by Page. Plant's own explanation of the lyrics was that it "was some cynical aside about a woman getting everything she wanted all the time without giving back any thought or consideration. The first line begins with that cynical sweep of the hand ... and it softened up after that.
The song, often considered one of the greatest rock songs of all-time, was placed at number 31 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It was the most requested song on FM radio stations in the United States in the 1970s, despite never having been officially released as a single there. In November 2007, through download sales promoting Led Zeppelin's Mothership release, "Stairway to Heaven" hit #37 on the UK Singles Chart.
The band have sold over 300 million albums worldwide,including 111.5 million certified units in the United States, making them one of the world's best-selling music artists of all time, as well as the second best selling band of all time in the United States, only behind The Beatles. They have had all of their original studio albums reach the top 10 of the Billboard album chart in the US, with six reaching the number one spot. Rolling Stone magazine has described Led Zeppelin as "the heaviest band of all time", "the biggest band of the '70s" and "unquestionably one of the most enduring bands in rock history. Similarly, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame described the band as being "as influential in that decade [70s] as The Beatles were in the prior one."
Led Zeppelin remain one of the most bootlegged artists in the history of rock music. In August 1999, the band topped the list of Britain's most bootlegged musicians with 384 bootleg titles, compiled by the Anti-Piracy Unit of British Phonographic Industry.
Stairway to Heaven" released in late 1971. It was composed by guitarist Jimmy Page and vocalist Robert Plant for the band's untitled fourth studio album (usually referred to as Led Zeppelin IV). The song, running almost eight minutes, is composed of several sections, which increase in tempo and volume as the song progresses. The song begins as a slow acoustic-based folk song accompanied by recorders, before electric instrumentation is introduced.
The final section is a high-tempo hard rock section highlighted by an intricate guitar solo by Page. Plant's own explanation of the lyrics was that it "was some cynical aside about a woman getting everything she wanted all the time without giving back any thought or consideration. The first line begins with that cynical sweep of the hand ... and it softened up after that.
The song, often considered one of the greatest rock songs of all-time, was placed at number 31 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It was the most requested song on FM radio stations in the United States in the 1970s, despite never having been officially released as a single there. In November 2007, through download sales promoting Led Zeppelin's Mothership release, "Stairway to Heaven" hit #37 on the UK Singles Chart.
Marvin Gaye - What's Going On
Marvin Gaye, (April 2, 1939 – April 1, 1984) was an American singer-songwriter and musician crowned as "The Prince of Motown" and "The Prince of Soul".
His mid-1970s work, including the albums What's Going On, Let's Get It On and I Want You, helped influencing the quiet storm, urban adult contemporary and slow jam genres. After a self-imposed European exile in the early eighties, Gaye returned on the 1982 Grammy-Award winning hit, "Sexual Healing" and the Midnight Love album before his death. Gaye was shot dead by his father on April 1, 1984. In 2008, the American music magazine Rolling Stone ranked Gaye at number 6 on its list of The Greatest Singers of All Time, and ranked at number 18 on 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
What's Going On is his eleventh record and a unified concept album consisting of nine songs, most of which lead into the next. It has also been categorized as a song cycle, since the album ends on a reprise to the album's opening theme. The album is told from the point of view of a Vietnam War veteran returning to the country he had been fighting for, and seeing nothing but injustice, suffering and hatred.
In worldwide critics/artists and public surveys, it has been voted as one of the landmark recordings in pop music history and is considered to be one of the greatest albums ever made. In 2003, the album was ranked number 6 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
What's Going On is a song written by Renaldo "Obie" Benson, Al Cleveland, and Marvin Gaye. It became a crossover hit single that reached #2 on the pop charts and #1 on the R&B charts. A meditation on the troubles and problems of the world, the song proved a timely and relatable release, and in 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked it the fourth greatest song of all time.
His mid-1970s work, including the albums What's Going On, Let's Get It On and I Want You, helped influencing the quiet storm, urban adult contemporary and slow jam genres. After a self-imposed European exile in the early eighties, Gaye returned on the 1982 Grammy-Award winning hit, "Sexual Healing" and the Midnight Love album before his death. Gaye was shot dead by his father on April 1, 1984. In 2008, the American music magazine Rolling Stone ranked Gaye at number 6 on its list of The Greatest Singers of All Time, and ranked at number 18 on 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
What's Going On is his eleventh record and a unified concept album consisting of nine songs, most of which lead into the next. It has also been categorized as a song cycle, since the album ends on a reprise to the album's opening theme. The album is told from the point of view of a Vietnam War veteran returning to the country he had been fighting for, and seeing nothing but injustice, suffering and hatred.
In worldwide critics/artists and public surveys, it has been voted as one of the landmark recordings in pop music history and is considered to be one of the greatest albums ever made. In 2003, the album was ranked number 6 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
What's Going On is a song written by Renaldo "Obie" Benson, Al Cleveland, and Marvin Gaye. It became a crossover hit single that reached #2 on the pop charts and #1 on the R&B charts. A meditation on the troubles and problems of the world, the song proved a timely and relatable release, and in 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked it the fourth greatest song of all time.
The Sex Pistols - God Save the Queen
"When there's no future
how can there be sin
we're the flowers
in the dustbin
we're the poison
in your human machine
we're the future
you're future "
The Sex Pistols were an English punk rock band that formed in London in 1975. They were responsible for initiating the punk movement in the United Kingdom and inspiring many later punk and alternative rock musicians. Although their initial career lasted just two-and-a-half years and produced only four singles and one studio album, they are regarded as one of the most influential acts in the history of popular music.
The Sex Pistols originally comprised vocalist Johnny Rotten, guitarist Steve Jones, drummer Paul Cook and bassist Glen Matlock. Matlock was replaced by Sid Vicious in early 1977. Under the management of impresario Malcolm McLaren, the band provoked controversies that captivated Britain.
"God Save the Queen" was released as the band's second single and was featured on their only album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols. The song was released during Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee in 1977.
The record's lyrics, as well as the cover, were controversial at the time, and both the BBC and the Independent Broadcasting Authority refused to play the song. The song reached number one on the NME charts in the United Kingdom, but only made it to #2 on the official UK Singles Chart as used by the BBC. This led to accusations by some that the charts had been "fixed" to prevent the song from reaching number one.
At the time it was highly controversial, firstly for its equation of the Queen with a "fascist regime", and secondly for its claim that England had "no future". The phrase "no future", the song's closing refrain, became emblematic of the punk rock movement. Rolling Stone ranked "God Save the Queen" number 173 on their list of the The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, one of the group's two songs on the list along with "Anarchy in the U.K.".
how can there be sin
we're the flowers
in the dustbin
we're the poison
in your human machine
we're the future
you're future "
The Sex Pistols were an English punk rock band that formed in London in 1975. They were responsible for initiating the punk movement in the United Kingdom and inspiring many later punk and alternative rock musicians. Although their initial career lasted just two-and-a-half years and produced only four singles and one studio album, they are regarded as one of the most influential acts in the history of popular music.
The Sex Pistols originally comprised vocalist Johnny Rotten, guitarist Steve Jones, drummer Paul Cook and bassist Glen Matlock. Matlock was replaced by Sid Vicious in early 1977. Under the management of impresario Malcolm McLaren, the band provoked controversies that captivated Britain.
"God Save the Queen" was released as the band's second single and was featured on their only album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols. The song was released during Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee in 1977.
The record's lyrics, as well as the cover, were controversial at the time, and both the BBC and the Independent Broadcasting Authority refused to play the song. The song reached number one on the NME charts in the United Kingdom, but only made it to #2 on the official UK Singles Chart as used by the BBC. This led to accusations by some that the charts had been "fixed" to prevent the song from reaching number one.
At the time it was highly controversial, firstly for its equation of the Queen with a "fascist regime", and secondly for its claim that England had "no future". The phrase "no future", the song's closing refrain, became emblematic of the punk rock movement. Rolling Stone ranked "God Save the Queen" number 173 on their list of the The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, one of the group's two songs on the list along with "Anarchy in the U.K.".
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
This day in music history
1961, Elvis Presley was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Are You Lonesome Tonight'. The singers sixth UK No.1. The single included a spoken passage loosely based on Shakespeare.
1965, 'Downtown' by Petula Clark was at No. 1 on the US singles chart. A young Jimmy Page had played as a session guitarist on the track, giving him his first US No.1 hit, (and a No. 2 hit in the UK).
1971, Elvis Presley played the first night of a 31 date run at The Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas, Nirvana. Elvis played a 8.30pm and midnight shows on most days.
1974, Ringo Starr went to No.1 on the US singles chart with his version of the Johnny Burnette 1960 hit 'Your Sixteen', a No.3 hit in the UK.
1977, Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green was committed to a mental hospital following an incident when he threatened his accountant Clifford Adams with an air rifle when he was trying to deliver a £30,000 ($51,000) royalty cheque to him.
1986, Allen Collins, guitarist from Lynyrd Skynyrd crashed his car, paralysing him from the waist down and killing his girlfriend Debra Jean Watts. Collins had survived a plane crash in 1977 that killed two other band members.
1991, Queen had their second UK No.1 with 'Innuendo'. It was the third longest No.1 song of all time behind The Beatles 'Hey Jude' and Simple Minds 'Belfast Child'. The flamenco guitar solo on the track was performed by Yes guitarist Steve Howe.
2008, Alicia Keys was at No.1 on the US album chart with her third album ‘As I Am.’ The album sold over 742,000 copies in its first week the largest ever first week sales for any female R&B artist.
1957, Born on this day, Eddie Van Halen, guitar, (1984 US No.1 & UK No. 7 single 'Jump').
1958, Born on this day, Anita Baker, US soul singer, 1986 UK No.13 single 'Sweet Love', 1998 US No.1 album 'Giving You The Best That I Got').
1963, Born on this day, Andrew Ridgeley, vocals, Wham! (1984 UK & US No.1 single 'Wake Me Up Before You Go Go' plus 10 other UK Top 20 hit singles).
1963, Born on this day, Jazzie B, Soul II Soul & producer, (1989 UK No.1 single 'Back To Life').
1965, 'Downtown' by Petula Clark was at No. 1 on the US singles chart. A young Jimmy Page had played as a session guitarist on the track, giving him his first US No.1 hit, (and a No. 2 hit in the UK).
1971, Elvis Presley played the first night of a 31 date run at The Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas, Nirvana. Elvis played a 8.30pm and midnight shows on most days.
1974, Ringo Starr went to No.1 on the US singles chart with his version of the Johnny Burnette 1960 hit 'Your Sixteen', a No.3 hit in the UK.
1977, Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green was committed to a mental hospital following an incident when he threatened his accountant Clifford Adams with an air rifle when he was trying to deliver a £30,000 ($51,000) royalty cheque to him.
1986, Allen Collins, guitarist from Lynyrd Skynyrd crashed his car, paralysing him from the waist down and killing his girlfriend Debra Jean Watts. Collins had survived a plane crash in 1977 that killed two other band members.
1991, Queen had their second UK No.1 with 'Innuendo'. It was the third longest No.1 song of all time behind The Beatles 'Hey Jude' and Simple Minds 'Belfast Child'. The flamenco guitar solo on the track was performed by Yes guitarist Steve Howe.
2008, Alicia Keys was at No.1 on the US album chart with her third album ‘As I Am.’ The album sold over 742,000 copies in its first week the largest ever first week sales for any female R&B artist.
1957, Born on this day, Eddie Van Halen, guitar, (1984 US No.1 & UK No. 7 single 'Jump').
1958, Born on this day, Anita Baker, US soul singer, 1986 UK No.13 single 'Sweet Love', 1998 US No.1 album 'Giving You The Best That I Got').
1963, Born on this day, Andrew Ridgeley, vocals, Wham! (1984 UK & US No.1 single 'Wake Me Up Before You Go Go' plus 10 other UK Top 20 hit singles).
1963, Born on this day, Jazzie B, Soul II Soul & producer, (1989 UK No.1 single 'Back To Life').
The Who - My Generation
The Who are an English rock band formed in 1964 by Roger Daltrey (vocals), Pete Townshend (guitar), John Entwistle (bass) and Keith Moon (drums). They became known for energetic live performances which often included instrument destruction.
The Who have sold about 100 million records, and have charted 27 top forty singles in the United Kingdom and United States, as well as 17 top ten albums, with 18 Gold, 12 Platinum and 5 Multi-Platinum album awards in the United States alone.
The group has been credited with originating the "rock opera"and it made one of the first notable concept albums. Following Tommy were David Bowie's The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway by Genesis and Pink Floyd's The Wall in the 1970s.
They considered to be prime contenders, in the minds of many, for the title of World's Greatest Rock Band. Time magazine wrote in 1979 that "No other group has ever pushed rock so far, or asked so much from it."Rolling Stone magazine wrote: "Along with The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, The Who complete the holy trinity of British rock." The Who are one of the most influential rock groups of the 1960s and '70s,influencing artists from Led Zeppelin to The Clash and U2.
Townshend and Daltrey, the only surviving members continue to perform as The Who, and in 2006 they released the studio album Endless Wire, which reached the top ten in the UK and US.
"My Generation" is one of their most recognizable songs. The song was named the 11th greatest song by Rolling Stone on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and 13th on VH1's list of the 100 Greatest Songs of Rock & Roll.[2] It's also part of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll and is inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for "historical, artistic and significant" value.
The song, composed by Pete Townshend at the age of twenty in 1965, was written for rebellious British youths called Mods, and expressed their feeling that older people "just don't get it". The song was released as a single on 5 November 1965, reaching #2 in the UK, the Who's highest charting single in their home country and #74 in America.
The Who have sold about 100 million records, and have charted 27 top forty singles in the United Kingdom and United States, as well as 17 top ten albums, with 18 Gold, 12 Platinum and 5 Multi-Platinum album awards in the United States alone.
The group has been credited with originating the "rock opera"and it made one of the first notable concept albums. Following Tommy were David Bowie's The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway by Genesis and Pink Floyd's The Wall in the 1970s.
They considered to be prime contenders, in the minds of many, for the title of World's Greatest Rock Band. Time magazine wrote in 1979 that "No other group has ever pushed rock so far, or asked so much from it."Rolling Stone magazine wrote: "Along with The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, The Who complete the holy trinity of British rock." The Who are one of the most influential rock groups of the 1960s and '70s,influencing artists from Led Zeppelin to The Clash and U2.
Townshend and Daltrey, the only surviving members continue to perform as The Who, and in 2006 they released the studio album Endless Wire, which reached the top ten in the UK and US.
"My Generation" is one of their most recognizable songs. The song was named the 11th greatest song by Rolling Stone on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and 13th on VH1's list of the 100 Greatest Songs of Rock & Roll.[2] It's also part of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll and is inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for "historical, artistic and significant" value.
The song, composed by Pete Townshend at the age of twenty in 1965, was written for rebellious British youths called Mods, and expressed their feeling that older people "just don't get it". The song was released as a single on 5 November 1965, reaching #2 in the UK, the Who's highest charting single in their home country and #74 in America.
Them - Gloria
Them was a Northern Irish band formed in Belfast in April 1964,(breakup in 1972 and reunion in 1979) most prominently known for the garage rock standard "Gloria" and launching singer Van Morrison's musical career. The group was marketed in the United States as part of the British Invasion. Their first manager was Dick Rowe with Decca Records. He was notoriously known for previously having turned down signing The Beatles after listening to a badly recorded demo.
Van Morrison went on to great success and fame as a solo artist, but Them's combination of garage rock and blues proved a major influence on the next generations of rock musicians, and the group's best-known singles have become staples of rock and roll.
Gloria is a rock song classic written by Van Morrison in 1964 and has became a garage rock staple and a part of many rock bands' repertoires. It is particularly memorable for its "G–L–O–R–I–A" chorus. The song continues to be played by thousands of bands from famous recording artists to unknown garage bands. Humourist Dave Barry joked that "If you drop a guitar down a flight of stairs, it'll play 'Gloria' on its way to the bottom." The song is considered to be one of the few rock songs that's actually as raunchy as its reputation and one of the most perfect rock anthems known to humankind. It was played a number of times in the 1983 film The Outsiders. The song was listed at #208 on the 2004 Rolling Stone magazine's feature, The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Van Morrison went on to great success and fame as a solo artist, but Them's combination of garage rock and blues proved a major influence on the next generations of rock musicians, and the group's best-known singles have become staples of rock and roll.
Gloria is a rock song classic written by Van Morrison in 1964 and has became a garage rock staple and a part of many rock bands' repertoires. It is particularly memorable for its "G–L–O–R–I–A" chorus. The song continues to be played by thousands of bands from famous recording artists to unknown garage bands. Humourist Dave Barry joked that "If you drop a guitar down a flight of stairs, it'll play 'Gloria' on its way to the bottom." The song is considered to be one of the few rock songs that's actually as raunchy as its reputation and one of the most perfect rock anthems known to humankind. It was played a number of times in the 1983 film The Outsiders. The song was listed at #208 on the 2004 Rolling Stone magazine's feature, The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
The Kinks - You Really Got Me
The Kinks were an English rock band formed in North London by brothers Ray and Dave Davies in 1964. Categorized in the United States as a British Invasion band, The Kinks are recognized as one of the most important and influential rock acts of the era. Their music was influenced by a wide range of genres, including rhythm and blues, British music hall, folk, and country. Ray Davies (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Dave Davies (lead guitar, vocals) remained members throughout the group's 32-year run. Artists influenced by The Kinks include punk rock groups such as the Ramones,[152] The Clash,[153] and The Jam, New Wave and heavy metal acts like The Pretenders and Van Halen, and Britpop groups such as Oasis, Blur, and Pulp.The Kinks were also an influence on late-1960s American psychedelic groups, "like the Doors, Love and Jefferson Airplane". The Kinks had five Top 10 singles on the US Billboard chart. Nine of their albums charted in the Top 40. In the UK, the group had seventeen Top 20 singles and five Top 10 albums.Four of their albums have been certified gold by the RIAA. Between the mid-1960s and early 1970s, the group released a string of commercially and critically successful singles and LPs, and gained a reputation for songs and concept albums reflecting English culture and lifestyle, fuelled by Ray Davies' observational writing style.
"You Really Got Me" was released in August 1964,and, boosted by a performance on the television show Ready Steady Go!, quickly reached number one in the United Kingdom and made the Top 10 in the United States.The loud, distorted guitar riff—achieved by a slice Dave Davies made in the speaker cone of his Elpico amplifier (referred to by the band as the "little green amp")—gave the song its signature, gritty guitar sound. Extremely influential on the American garage rock scene, "You Really Got Me" has been described as "a blueprint song in the hard rock and heavy metal arsenal". American musicologist Robert Walser wrote that it is, "the track which invented heavy metal". Rolling Stone magazine placed the song at number 82 on their list of the 500 greatest songs of all time and at number 4 on their list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time. In early 2005, the song was voted the best British song of the 1955-1965 decade in a BBC radio poll. In March 2005, Q magazine placed it at number 9 in its list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Tracks. In 2009 it was named the 57th Greatest Hard Rock Song by VH1.
"You Really Got Me" was released in August 1964,and, boosted by a performance on the television show Ready Steady Go!, quickly reached number one in the United Kingdom and made the Top 10 in the United States.The loud, distorted guitar riff—achieved by a slice Dave Davies made in the speaker cone of his Elpico amplifier (referred to by the band as the "little green amp")—gave the song its signature, gritty guitar sound. Extremely influential on the American garage rock scene, "You Really Got Me" has been described as "a blueprint song in the hard rock and heavy metal arsenal". American musicologist Robert Walser wrote that it is, "the track which invented heavy metal". Rolling Stone magazine placed the song at number 82 on their list of the 500 greatest songs of all time and at number 4 on their list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time. In early 2005, the song was voted the best British song of the 1955-1965 decade in a BBC radio poll. In March 2005, Q magazine placed it at number 9 in its list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Tracks. In 2009 it was named the 57th Greatest Hard Rock Song by VH1.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Ella Mae Morse - The Blacksmith Blues
The Blacksmith Blues is a song which was written for Ella Mae Morse by Jack Holmes.
The arrangement was created by Billy May and Nelson Riddle and the first recording was produced by Lee Gillette.
Bob Bain played a muffled ashtray with a triangle beater to create the hammer and anvil sound effect.
The recording reached #3 on the Billboard chart when it was released in 1952 and sold over a million copies.
Ella Mae Morse (September 12, 1924 – October 16, 1999), was an American popular singer. Morse blended jazz, country, pop, and R&B.
Her biggest solo success was "Blacksmith Blues" in 1952, which was awarded a gold disc.
She sang in a wide variety of styles, and she had hits on both the U.S. pop and rhythm and blues charts.
However, she never received the popularity of a major star because her versatility prevented her from being placed into any one category of music
The arrangement was created by Billy May and Nelson Riddle and the first recording was produced by Lee Gillette.
Bob Bain played a muffled ashtray with a triangle beater to create the hammer and anvil sound effect.
The recording reached #3 on the Billboard chart when it was released in 1952 and sold over a million copies.
Ella Mae Morse (September 12, 1924 – October 16, 1999), was an American popular singer. Morse blended jazz, country, pop, and R&B.
Her biggest solo success was "Blacksmith Blues" in 1952, which was awarded a gold disc.
She sang in a wide variety of styles, and she had hits on both the U.S. pop and rhythm and blues charts.
However, she never received the popularity of a major star because her versatility prevented her from being placed into any one category of music
Elvis Presley - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You
"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" is a song written by Maurice Mysels and Ira Kosloff. It is best known for being Elvis Presley's second RCA single release after Heartbreak Hotel, which had sold one million copies.
It was released in May 1956, with over 300.000 pre-orders, becoming Presley's second #1 single on the Country charts, and peaking at #3 on the Billboard Top 100 pop singles chart, an earlier version of the Billboard Hot 100.
The song earned Presley his second Gold record, with sales in excess of 1.3 million.
Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) is regarded as one of the most important figures of 20th-century popular culture.
He had a versatile voice and unusually wide success encompassing many genres, including country, pop ballads, gospel, and blues.
He is the best-selling solo artist in the history of popular music. Nominated for 14 competitive Grammys, he won three, and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36. He has been inducted into four music halls of fame.
It was released in May 1956, with over 300.000 pre-orders, becoming Presley's second #1 single on the Country charts, and peaking at #3 on the Billboard Top 100 pop singles chart, an earlier version of the Billboard Hot 100.
The song earned Presley his second Gold record, with sales in excess of 1.3 million.
Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) is regarded as one of the most important figures of 20th-century popular culture.
He had a versatile voice and unusually wide success encompassing many genres, including country, pop ballads, gospel, and blues.
He is the best-selling solo artist in the history of popular music. Nominated for 14 competitive Grammys, he won three, and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36. He has been inducted into four music halls of fame.
Conway Twitty - It's Only Make Believe
"It's Only Make Believe" is a song written by Jack Nance and Conway Twitty, released by Twitty as a single in July 1958.
The single topped both U.S. and British national charts, as well as No. 1 in 21 other countries and was Twitty's only number-one single. The record took nearly one year to reach and stay at the top spot on the Billboard music charts in the U.S.
The song's lyrics describe the thoughts and feelings of a man in love with a woman who does not seem to be in love with him. He hopes and prays that, at some point in the future, the woman will be able to return his love, but laments that, at present, "it's only make believe."
Conway Twitty (September 1, 1933 – June 5, 1993), born Harold Lloyd Jenkins, was an American country music artist.He also had success in early rock and roll, R&B, and pop music. He held the record for the most number one singles of any act with 55 No. 1 Billboard country hits until George Strait broke the record in 2006. For a brief period, some believed he was Elvis Presley recording under a different name...
The single topped both U.S. and British national charts, as well as No. 1 in 21 other countries and was Twitty's only number-one single. The record took nearly one year to reach and stay at the top spot on the Billboard music charts in the U.S.
The song's lyrics describe the thoughts and feelings of a man in love with a woman who does not seem to be in love with him. He hopes and prays that, at some point in the future, the woman will be able to return his love, but laments that, at present, "it's only make believe."
Conway Twitty (September 1, 1933 – June 5, 1993), born Harold Lloyd Jenkins, was an American country music artist.He also had success in early rock and roll, R&B, and pop music. He held the record for the most number one singles of any act with 55 No. 1 Billboard country hits until George Strait broke the record in 2006. For a brief period, some believed he was Elvis Presley recording under a different name...
This day in music history
1975, The Carpenters went to No.1 on the US singles chart with their version of The Marveletts 1961 hit 'Please Mr. Postman'.
1978, Joy Division made their live debut when they played Pips in Manchester, England
1986, Norwegian group A-Ha were at No.1 in the UK with 'The Sun Always Shines On TV.' Becoming the first ever-Norwegian act to score a UK No.1.
2004, Katie Melua started a three week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with her debut release ‘Call Off The Search.’
1980, Born on this day, Alicia Keys, American R&B and soul singer, songwriter, (born Alicia J. Augello-Cook). 2001 US No.1 & UK No.3 single 'Fallin' and 2001 US No.1 & UK No.7 album 'Songs In A Minor'. Has sold over 25 million albums and singles worldwide and won numerous awards, including nine Grammys.
1978, Joy Division made their live debut when they played Pips in Manchester, England
1986, Norwegian group A-Ha were at No.1 in the UK with 'The Sun Always Shines On TV.' Becoming the first ever-Norwegian act to score a UK No.1.
2004, Katie Melua started a three week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with her debut release ‘Call Off The Search.’
1980, Born on this day, Alicia Keys, American R&B and soul singer, songwriter, (born Alicia J. Augello-Cook). 2001 US No.1 & UK No.3 single 'Fallin' and 2001 US No.1 & UK No.7 album 'Songs In A Minor'. Has sold over 25 million albums and singles worldwide and won numerous awards, including nine Grammys.
Announcement !!
Radio shows usually have a different theme for each day's program.
I 've decided to go on as follows :
Mondays songs will be from 40s and before.
Tuesdays posts will concetrate in 50s era while Wednesdays posts in 60s.
Thursdays are going to pay tribute to 70s and Fridays will take hat off to 80s decade. Two decades, 90s and 00s will be presented on Saturdays and finally on Sundays we will focus on 2010 and 2011 songs.
You are more than welcome to post your comments..
I 've decided to go on as follows :
Mondays songs will be from 40s and before.
Tuesdays posts will concetrate in 50s era while Wednesdays posts in 60s.
Thursdays are going to pay tribute to 70s and Fridays will take hat off to 80s decade. Two decades, 90s and 00s will be presented on Saturdays and finally on Sundays we will focus on 2010 and 2011 songs.
You are more than welcome to post your comments..
Monday, January 24, 2011
Duke Ellington - Take the 'A' Train
William Thomas "Billy" Strayhorn (November 29, 1915 – May 31, 1967) was an American composer, pianist and arranger, best known for his successful collaboration with bandleader and composer Duke Ellington lasting nearly three decades.
His compositions also include "Chelsea Bridge"and "Lush Life". Strayhorn's arrangements had a tremendous impact on the Ellington band. He also had a major influence on the career of Lena Horne.
This live version of the song is from 1965.
His compositions also include "Chelsea Bridge"and "Lush Life". Strayhorn's arrangements had a tremendous impact on the Ellington band. He also had a major influence on the career of Lena Horne.
This live version of the song is from 1965.
Duke Ellington - Take the 'A' Train
Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (April 29, 1899 – May 24, 1974), a prominent figure in the history of jazz, was a composer, pianist, and big band leader. Ellington wrote over 1,000 compositions and his work has come to be recognized as a cornerstone of American culture and heritage. His career spanned more than 50 years and included leading his orchestra, composing an inexhaustible songbook, scoring for movies, composing stage musicals, and world tours. Ellington led his band from 1923 until his death in 1974 and has earned 12 Grammy awards from 1959 to 2000, nine while he was alive.
"Take the 'A' Train" is a jazz standard by Billy Strayhorn and the signature tune of the Duke Ellington orchestra. It is arguably the most famous of the many compositions to emerge from their collaboration.The title refers to the "A" subway service that runs through New York City, going at that time from eastern Brooklyn up into Harlem and northern Manhattan, using the express tracks in Manhattan.
"Take the 'A' Train" was composed in 1938, and combines the propulsive swing of the 1940s big bands era with the confident sophistication of Ellington’s music.
This cover of the song is from 1943 with Mary Elizabeth Betty Roché (b.1920 – d.1999) an American blues singer, who became most famous during the period she was singing with Ellington’s orchestra.
"Take the 'A' Train" is a jazz standard by Billy Strayhorn and the signature tune of the Duke Ellington orchestra. It is arguably the most famous of the many compositions to emerge from their collaboration.The title refers to the "A" subway service that runs through New York City, going at that time from eastern Brooklyn up into Harlem and northern Manhattan, using the express tracks in Manhattan.
"Take the 'A' Train" was composed in 1938, and combines the propulsive swing of the 1940s big bands era with the confident sophistication of Ellington’s music.
This cover of the song is from 1943 with Mary Elizabeth Betty Roché (b.1920 – d.1999) an American blues singer, who became most famous during the period she was singing with Ellington’s orchestra.
This day in music history
1953, Eddie Fisher was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Outside Is Heaven'. American singer and entertainer divorced his first wife, Debbie Reynolds to marry his best friend's widow, Elizabeth Taylor, too much unwelcome publicity at the time. Eddie is father of actress Carrie Fisher.
1958, Elvis Presley was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Jailhouse Rock'. It became the first ever single to enter the chart at No.1 and was Presley's second UK No.1. It went on to sell over 4 million copies in the US.
1958, The Quarry Men performed at the Cavern Club, in Liverpool, (this was the bands only performance at the club). It was three years later when they appeared again at the Cavern but under their new name as The Beatles.
1962, Brian Epstein signed a management deal with The Beatles. Epstein was to receive 25 per cent of the bands gross earnings, the normal management deal was 10 per cent.
1968, Georgie Fame was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'The Ballad Of Bonnie and Clyde', the singers third and last UK No.1.
1969, New Jersey state prosecutors issue a warning to US record dealers that they would be charged with distributing pornography if they were caught selling the John Lennon / Yoko Ono LP ‘Two Virgins’. The front cover of the album showed the pair frontally nude, while the back cover showed them from behind. The album still managed to reach No.124 on the US, but failed to chart at all in the UK, where only 5,000 copies were ever pressed.
1969, The Doors appeared at Madison Square Garden, New York City, They were paid over $50,000 for the gig making them one of the highest paid acts this year.
1976, Bob Dylan started a five-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with 'Desire' his third US No.1.
1979, The Clash released their first single in the US, 'I Fought The Law' (written by Sonny Curtis of Buddy Holly's Crickets).
1980, A billboard was erected on Sunset Strip, West Hollywood, California to promote Pink Floyd’s new album ‘The Wall’. Every day workmen added another brick to the wall until it was finished.
1981, Adam And The Ants started a 10-week run at No.1 on the UK chart with their debut album 'Kings Of The Wild Frontier'.
1987, Billy Vera and the Beaters started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'At This Moment' not a hit in the UK.
1992, Nirvana played their first ever show in Australia at the Phoenician Club in Sydney. Also on the bill, Tumbleweed and The Meanies.
1998, Oasis went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'All Around The World'. The longest running-time for a UK No.1 with a total duration of 9 minutes 38 seconds. It was one of the first songs to be written by Noel Gallagher, with the band rehearsing it as early as 1992.
2008, Amy Winehouse was admitted into rehab in a battle to kick her addiction to drugs. A statement from her record company, Universal said she entered the facility "after talks with her record label, management, family and doctors to continue her ongoing recovery against drug addiction."
1941, Born on this day, Aaron Neville, vocals, The Neville Brothers, (1966 US No.2 single 'Tell It Like It Is', 1989 UK No.2 single with Linda Ronstadt' Don't Know Much').
1941, Born on this day, Neil Diamond, singer, songwriter, (1970 US No.1 & UK No.3 single 'Cracklin' Rose' plus over 30 US & 10 UK Top 40 singles. Wrote 'I'm A Believer', No.1 for The Monkees. Many acts from Elvis Presley, Lulu and Deep Purple have all covered his songs.
1949, Born on this day, John Belushi, actor, singer who played Joliet 'Jake' Blues in The Blues Brothers, died of a drug overdose on 5th March 1982. Had the 1990 UK No.12 single 'Everybody Needs Somebody To Love'.
1958, Elvis Presley was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Jailhouse Rock'. It became the first ever single to enter the chart at No.1 and was Presley's second UK No.1. It went on to sell over 4 million copies in the US.
1958, The Quarry Men performed at the Cavern Club, in Liverpool, (this was the bands only performance at the club). It was three years later when they appeared again at the Cavern but under their new name as The Beatles.
1962, Brian Epstein signed a management deal with The Beatles. Epstein was to receive 25 per cent of the bands gross earnings, the normal management deal was 10 per cent.
1968, Georgie Fame was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'The Ballad Of Bonnie and Clyde', the singers third and last UK No.1.
1969, New Jersey state prosecutors issue a warning to US record dealers that they would be charged with distributing pornography if they were caught selling the John Lennon / Yoko Ono LP ‘Two Virgins’. The front cover of the album showed the pair frontally nude, while the back cover showed them from behind. The album still managed to reach No.124 on the US, but failed to chart at all in the UK, where only 5,000 copies were ever pressed.
1969, The Doors appeared at Madison Square Garden, New York City, They were paid over $50,000 for the gig making them one of the highest paid acts this year.
1976, Bob Dylan started a five-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with 'Desire' his third US No.1.
1979, The Clash released their first single in the US, 'I Fought The Law' (written by Sonny Curtis of Buddy Holly's Crickets).
1980, A billboard was erected on Sunset Strip, West Hollywood, California to promote Pink Floyd’s new album ‘The Wall’. Every day workmen added another brick to the wall until it was finished.
1981, Adam And The Ants started a 10-week run at No.1 on the UK chart with their debut album 'Kings Of The Wild Frontier'.
1987, Billy Vera and the Beaters started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'At This Moment' not a hit in the UK.
1992, Nirvana played their first ever show in Australia at the Phoenician Club in Sydney. Also on the bill, Tumbleweed and The Meanies.
1998, Oasis went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'All Around The World'. The longest running-time for a UK No.1 with a total duration of 9 minutes 38 seconds. It was one of the first songs to be written by Noel Gallagher, with the band rehearsing it as early as 1992.
2008, Amy Winehouse was admitted into rehab in a battle to kick her addiction to drugs. A statement from her record company, Universal said she entered the facility "after talks with her record label, management, family and doctors to continue her ongoing recovery against drug addiction."
1941, Born on this day, Aaron Neville, vocals, The Neville Brothers, (1966 US No.2 single 'Tell It Like It Is', 1989 UK No.2 single with Linda Ronstadt' Don't Know Much').
1941, Born on this day, Neil Diamond, singer, songwriter, (1970 US No.1 & UK No.3 single 'Cracklin' Rose' plus over 30 US & 10 UK Top 40 singles. Wrote 'I'm A Believer', No.1 for The Monkees. Many acts from Elvis Presley, Lulu and Deep Purple have all covered his songs.
1949, Born on this day, John Belushi, actor, singer who played Joliet 'Jake' Blues in The Blues Brothers, died of a drug overdose on 5th March 1982. Had the 1990 UK No.12 single 'Everybody Needs Somebody To Love'.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Petula Clark - Downtown
Petula Clark, (born 15 November 1932) is an English singer, actress, and composer with almost 70 million record sales throughout her career.
Downtown composed by Tony Hatch, became an international hit – No. 1 in the US – and released in four different languages early in 1965. She has also received the Grammy Award for "Best Rock and Roll Song" that year. It was the first of fifteen consecutive Top 40 hits Clark achieved in the United States. The song has been covered numerous times by other artists since Clark's original recording. Following 9/11, New York City adopted Clark's version of "Downtown" as the theme song for a series of commercials encouraging tourism to Lower Manhattan.
Downtown composed by Tony Hatch, became an international hit – No. 1 in the US – and released in four different languages early in 1965. She has also received the Grammy Award for "Best Rock and Roll Song" that year. It was the first of fifteen consecutive Top 40 hits Clark achieved in the United States. The song has been covered numerous times by other artists since Clark's original recording. Following 9/11, New York City adopted Clark's version of "Downtown" as the theme song for a series of commercials encouraging tourism to Lower Manhattan.
Cilla Black - Anyone Who Had A Heart
Cilla Black (27 May 1943) is an English singer, actress, entertainer and media personality . After a successful recording career and a brief time as a comedy actress, she became the best paid female presenter in British television history. She is most famous worldwide for her successful singles "Anyone Who Had A Heart", "You're My World", and "Alfie". She was strongly supported by the Beatles who persuade their manager Brian Epstein to audition and finally contracted her as his only female client.
Anyone Who Had a Heart" is a song written by Burt Bacharach (music) and Hal David (lyrics) for Dionne Warwick in 1963. Warwick's original recording hit the Top Ten in the United States.
Black’s cover scored #1 in Britain and remained, until 2009, the best selling single by a female artist in the history of popular music in England.
Anyone Who Had a Heart" is a song written by Burt Bacharach (music) and Hal David (lyrics) for Dionne Warwick in 1963. Warwick's original recording hit the Top Ten in the United States.
Black’s cover scored #1 in Britain and remained, until 2009, the best selling single by a female artist in the history of popular music in England.
This day in music history
1956, Rock 'n' Roll fans in Cleveland aged under 18 were banned from dancing in public (unless accompanied by an adult), after Ohio Police introduced a law dating back to 1931.
1965, 'Downtown' made Petula Clark the first UK female singer to have a No.1 on the US singles chart since Vera Lynn in 1952. A No.2 hit in the UK.
1971, George Harrison became the first solo Beatle to have a No.1 when 'My Sweet Lord' went to the top of the UK single charts. The song from his 'All Things Must Pass' album stayed at No.1 for five weeks. The track returned to the top of the UK charts in 2002, following his death.
1978, Terry Kath, guitarist with Chicago accidentally shot himself dead while cleaning (with what he believed) was an unloaded gun. Kath’s last words were "Don't worry it's not loaded" as he put the gun to his head and pulled the trigger. The guitarist and singer was killed instantly.
1978, Adam And The Ants made their radio debut on Radio 1s John Peel Show.
1988, Johnny Hates Jazz went to No.1 on the UK album chart with their debut LP 'Turn Back The Clock'.
1988, Michael Jackson went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'The Way You Make Me Feel' a No.3 hit in the UK.
1988, Tiffany started a two-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with Tiffany.
1988, Nirvana recorded a 10-song demo with Seattle producer Jack Endino. Sub Pop records boss Jonathan Poneman hears the tape and offers to put out a Nirvana single.
2000, Santana started a three week run at No.1 on the US album chart with 'Supernatural', the album spent a total of nine weeks at No.1 during this year.
1889, Born on this day, Leadbelly, (Hurrdi William Ledbetter), Blues musician, Wrote 'Goodnight Irene', 'The Rock Island Line', 'The Midnight Special,' once jailed for shooting a man dead during an argument over a woman. Died 6th December 1949.
1953, Born on this day, Robin Zander, vocals, Cheap Trick, (1979 UK No.29 & US No.17 single 'I Want You To Want Me', 1988 US No.1 single 'The Flame').
1965, 'Downtown' made Petula Clark the first UK female singer to have a No.1 on the US singles chart since Vera Lynn in 1952. A No.2 hit in the UK.
1971, George Harrison became the first solo Beatle to have a No.1 when 'My Sweet Lord' went to the top of the UK single charts. The song from his 'All Things Must Pass' album stayed at No.1 for five weeks. The track returned to the top of the UK charts in 2002, following his death.
1978, Terry Kath, guitarist with Chicago accidentally shot himself dead while cleaning (with what he believed) was an unloaded gun. Kath’s last words were "Don't worry it's not loaded" as he put the gun to his head and pulled the trigger. The guitarist and singer was killed instantly.
1978, Adam And The Ants made their radio debut on Radio 1s John Peel Show.
1988, Johnny Hates Jazz went to No.1 on the UK album chart with their debut LP 'Turn Back The Clock'.
1988, Michael Jackson went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'The Way You Make Me Feel' a No.3 hit in the UK.
1988, Tiffany started a two-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with Tiffany.
1988, Nirvana recorded a 10-song demo with Seattle producer Jack Endino. Sub Pop records boss Jonathan Poneman hears the tape and offers to put out a Nirvana single.
2000, Santana started a three week run at No.1 on the US album chart with 'Supernatural', the album spent a total of nine weeks at No.1 during this year.
1889, Born on this day, Leadbelly, (Hurrdi William Ledbetter), Blues musician, Wrote 'Goodnight Irene', 'The Rock Island Line', 'The Midnight Special,' once jailed for shooting a man dead during an argument over a woman. Died 6th December 1949.
1953, Born on this day, Robin Zander, vocals, Cheap Trick, (1979 UK No.29 & US No.17 single 'I Want You To Want Me', 1988 US No.1 single 'The Flame').
Saturday, January 22, 2011
INXS - Never Tear Us Apart
INXS the famous Australian rock band, formed as The Farriss Brothers in 1977 in Sydney. For twenty years, they were fronted by Michael Hutchence on lead vocals, whose "sultry good looks" and magnetic stage presence made him the focal point of the band. Initially known for their New Wave/ska/pop style, they later developed a harder pub rock style,including funk and dance elements.
INXS achieved international success with a series of hit recordings through the 1980s and 1990s, including the singles "Original Sin", "Need You Tonight", "Devil Inside" and "New Sensation". To date INXS have sold more than 30 million records.
On 22 November 1997, Hutchence was found dead in his Sydney Ritz-Carlton hotel room. The autopsy ruled that Hutchence's death was a suicide while depressed and under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Despite the report, fans and relatives considered his death accidental.
"Never Tear Us Apart" is a single released in August 1988. It was also included on the band's sixth studio album, Kick. The music that was written by Andrew Farriss, is a sensuous ballad, layered with synthesizers and containing dramatic pauses before the instrumental breaks. Kirk Pengilly lends a cathartic saxophone solo near the end. The single reached #24 in the UK, and stayed on the charts for seven weeks. In the U.S., it reached #7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
INXS achieved international success with a series of hit recordings through the 1980s and 1990s, including the singles "Original Sin", "Need You Tonight", "Devil Inside" and "New Sensation". To date INXS have sold more than 30 million records.
On 22 November 1997, Hutchence was found dead in his Sydney Ritz-Carlton hotel room. The autopsy ruled that Hutchence's death was a suicide while depressed and under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Despite the report, fans and relatives considered his death accidental.
"Never Tear Us Apart" is a single released in August 1988. It was also included on the band's sixth studio album, Kick. The music that was written by Andrew Farriss, is a sensuous ballad, layered with synthesizers and containing dramatic pauses before the instrumental breaks. Kirk Pengilly lends a cathartic saxophone solo near the end. The single reached #24 in the UK, and stayed on the charts for seven weeks. In the U.S., it reached #7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Buddy Holly - Peggy Sue
Buddy Holly (September 7, 1936 – February 3, 1959), was an American singer-songwriter and a pioneer of rock and roll. Although his success lasted only a year and a half before his death in an airplane crash, Holly is considered to be as one of the most influential creative forcew in early rock and roll. His works and innovations inspired and influenced contemporary and later musicians, notably The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan, and exerted a profound influence on popular music. Holly was among the first group of inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked Holly #13 among "The Fifty Greatest Artists of All Time".
Peggy Sue was written by Buddy Holly, Jerry Allison, and Norman Petty, and originally performed, recorded and released as a single by Buddy Holly and the Crickets in early July of 1957 and went to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Peggy Sue was written by Buddy Holly, Jerry Allison, and Norman Petty, and originally performed, recorded and released as a single by Buddy Holly and the Crickets in early July of 1957 and went to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Sam Cooke - Chain Gang
"Chain Gang" released in 1960, reaching #2 in the United States and #9 in the United Kingdom. This was Cooke's second-biggest American hit, since "You Send Me" from 1957. The song was inspired after a chance meeting with an actual chain-gang of prisoners on a highway, seen while Sam was on tour. According to legend, Cooke and his brother Charles felt sorry for the men and gave them several cartons of cigarettes.
Sam Cook (January 22, 1931 – December 11, 1964), is considered to be one of the pioneers and founders of soul music. He is commonly known as The King of Soul for his unmatched vocal abilities and impact and influence on the modern world of music.
Cooke had 29 top-40 hits in the U.S. between 1957 and 1964. On December 11, 1964, Cooke was shot dead by the manager of the Hacienda Motel in Los Angeles, California at the age of 33. At the time, the courts ruled that Cooke was drunk and distressed, and the manager killed Cooke in what was later ruled a justifiable homicide. Since that time, the circumstances of his death have been widely questioned.
Sam Cook (January 22, 1931 – December 11, 1964), is considered to be one of the pioneers and founders of soul music. He is commonly known as The King of Soul for his unmatched vocal abilities and impact and influence on the modern world of music.
Cooke had 29 top-40 hits in the U.S. between 1957 and 1964. On December 11, 1964, Cooke was shot dead by the manager of the Hacienda Motel in Los Angeles, California at the age of 33. At the time, the courts ruled that Cooke was drunk and distressed, and the manager killed Cooke in what was later ruled a justifiable homicide. Since that time, the circumstances of his death have been widely questioned.
This day in music history
1959, Alone with an acoustic guitar and tape recorder in his New York City apartment Buddy Holly made his last recordings, including ‘Peggy Sue Got Married’, ‘Crying, Waiting, Hoping’, ‘That's What They Say’, ‘What To Do’, ‘Learning The Game’ and ‘That Makes It Tough’. The recordings would be overdubbed posthumously and were later released by Coral Records.
1966, The Beach Boys went into the studio to record 'Wouldn't It Be Nice', which would be the opening track on their forthcoming album 'Pet Sounds.'
1972, David Bowie 'came out' as bisexual during an interview in the British music weekly Melody Maker.
1972, Don McLean's album 'American Pie' started a seven week run at No.1 in the US album chart.
1983, The new 24-hour music video network MTV started broadcasting to the West Coast of America after being picked up by Group W Cable, Los Angeles.
1994, American actor and singer Telly Savalas died of prostrate cancer aged 72. He scored the 1975 UK No.1 single 'If'. Played Lt. Theo Kojak a bald New York City detective in the television series Kojak, with a fondness for lollipops and whose trademark line was "Who loves ya, baby?"
2001, The Strokes released their first record 'The Modern Age EP' on Rough Trade records in the UK.
2006, Arctic Monkeys scored their second UK No.1 single with 'When The Sun Goes Down', from their debut album, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not. The song contains the line, "and he told Roxanne to put on her red light," a reference to The Police song, Roxanne.
1931, Born on this day, Sam Cooke, US soul singer (1957 US No.1 & UK No.29 single with ‘You Send Me’ and a 1986 UK No.2 single with ‘Wonderful World’ first released in 1960). He died on December 11th 1964.
1940, Born on this day, Addie Harris, vocals, The Shirelles, (1961 US No.1 & UK No. 4 single 'Will You Love Me Tomorrow'). She died on 10th June 1982.
1947, Born on this day, Malcolm Mclaren, manager of the Sex Pistols and solo artist, (1983 UK No.3 single 'Double Dutch'). Died aged 64 from cancer on 8th April 2010.
1953, Born on this day, Steve Perry, vocals, Journey, (1982 US No.2 single 'Open Arms', solo 1984 US No.3 single, Oh, Sherrie').
1962, Born on this day, Michael Hutchence, vocals, INXS, (1988 UK No.2 & US No.1 single 'Need You Tonight'). 1987 album 'Kick' has sold over 10m copies in the US alone and features four Top 10 singles; 'Need You Tonight,' 'Devil Inside', 'New Sensation,' and 'Never Tear Us Apart.' Hutchence was found dead in his hotel suite in Sydney on 22nd Nov 1997 age 37. Hutchence body was found naked behind the door to his room, he had apparently hanged himself.
1966, The Beach Boys went into the studio to record 'Wouldn't It Be Nice', which would be the opening track on their forthcoming album 'Pet Sounds.'
1972, David Bowie 'came out' as bisexual during an interview in the British music weekly Melody Maker.
1972, Don McLean's album 'American Pie' started a seven week run at No.1 in the US album chart.
1983, The new 24-hour music video network MTV started broadcasting to the West Coast of America after being picked up by Group W Cable, Los Angeles.
1994, American actor and singer Telly Savalas died of prostrate cancer aged 72. He scored the 1975 UK No.1 single 'If'. Played Lt. Theo Kojak a bald New York City detective in the television series Kojak, with a fondness for lollipops and whose trademark line was "Who loves ya, baby?"
2001, The Strokes released their first record 'The Modern Age EP' on Rough Trade records in the UK.
2006, Arctic Monkeys scored their second UK No.1 single with 'When The Sun Goes Down', from their debut album, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not. The song contains the line, "and he told Roxanne to put on her red light," a reference to The Police song, Roxanne.
1931, Born on this day, Sam Cooke, US soul singer (1957 US No.1 & UK No.29 single with ‘You Send Me’ and a 1986 UK No.2 single with ‘Wonderful World’ first released in 1960). He died on December 11th 1964.
1940, Born on this day, Addie Harris, vocals, The Shirelles, (1961 US No.1 & UK No. 4 single 'Will You Love Me Tomorrow'). She died on 10th June 1982.
1947, Born on this day, Malcolm Mclaren, manager of the Sex Pistols and solo artist, (1983 UK No.3 single 'Double Dutch'). Died aged 64 from cancer on 8th April 2010.
1953, Born on this day, Steve Perry, vocals, Journey, (1982 US No.2 single 'Open Arms', solo 1984 US No.3 single, Oh, Sherrie').
1962, Born on this day, Michael Hutchence, vocals, INXS, (1988 UK No.2 & US No.1 single 'Need You Tonight'). 1987 album 'Kick' has sold over 10m copies in the US alone and features four Top 10 singles; 'Need You Tonight,' 'Devil Inside', 'New Sensation,' and 'Never Tear Us Apart.' Hutchence was found dead in his hotel suite in Sydney on 22nd Nov 1997 age 37. Hutchence body was found naked behind the door to his room, he had apparently hanged himself.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Jimi Hendrix - All Along the Watchtower
"All Along the Watchtower" is a song written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. Covered by numerous artists in various genres, "All Along the Watchtower" is strongly identified with the interpretation Jimi Hendrix (November 27, 1942 -September 18, 1970) recorded for Electric Ladyland with the Jimi Hendrix Experience. The Hendrix version, released six months after Dylan's original recording, became a Top 10 single in 1968 and was ranked 48th in Rolling Stone magazine's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The song also had the #5 spot on Guitar World's 100 Greatest Guitar Solos and in 2000, British magazine Total Guitar named it top of the list of the greatest cover versions of all time.
Dylan has described his reaction to hearing Hendrix's version: "It overwhelmed me, really. He had such talent, he could find things inside a song and vigorously develop them. He found things that other people wouldn't think of finding in there. He probably improved upon it by the spaces he was using. I took license with the song from his version, actually, and continue to do it to this day." In the booklet accompanying his Biograph album, Dylan said: "I liked Jimi Hendrix's record of this and ever since he died I've been doing it that way... Strange how when I sing it, I always feel it's a tribute to him in some kind of way."
"Jimi" Hendrix is widely considered to be the greatest electric guitarist in the history of music,and one of the most influential musicians of his era across a range of genres.
Dylan has described his reaction to hearing Hendrix's version: "It overwhelmed me, really. He had such talent, he could find things inside a song and vigorously develop them. He found things that other people wouldn't think of finding in there. He probably improved upon it by the spaces he was using. I took license with the song from his version, actually, and continue to do it to this day." In the booklet accompanying his Biograph album, Dylan said: "I liked Jimi Hendrix's record of this and ever since he died I've been doing it that way... Strange how when I sing it, I always feel it's a tribute to him in some kind of way."
"Jimi" Hendrix is widely considered to be the greatest electric guitarist in the history of music,and one of the most influential musicians of his era across a range of genres.
Dexys Midnight Runners - Jackie Wilson Said
"Jackie Wilson Said (I'm in Heaven When You Smile)" is a song written and performed by Van Morrison in July 1972. The song was according to Morrison, "particularly inspired" by a line in Jackie Wilson's song "Reet Petite" who he also was an important influence in Morrison’s early vocal style.
In the summer of 1982, British pop band, Dexys Midnight Runners recorded it for their album, Too-Rye-Ay. It was released as the follow-up single to their number-one hit "Come On Eileen" and reached number five on the UK Singles Chart.
In the summer of 1982, British pop band, Dexys Midnight Runners recorded it for their album, Too-Rye-Ay. It was released as the follow-up single to their number-one hit "Come On Eileen" and reached number five on the UK Singles Chart.
Jackie Wilson - Lonely Teardrops
Jack Leroy "Jackie" Wilson, Jr. (June 9, 1934 – January 21, 1984) aka "Mr. Excitement" and «Black Elvis» was very important in the transition of rhythm and blues into soul. He was known as a master showman, and as one of the most dynamic singers and performers in R&B and rock history recorded over 50 hit singles that spanned R&B, pop, soul, doo-wop and easy listening. During a 1975 benefit concert, he collapsed on-stage from a heart attack and subsequently fell into a coma that persisted for nearly nine years until his death in 1984. By this time, he had become one of the most influential artists of his generation. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Jackie Wilson #68 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
His signature song was "Lonely Teardrops", which peaked at No. 7 on the pop chart and No. 1 on the R&B charts in 1958 and established him as an R&B superstar known for his extraordinary, operatic multi-octave vocal range.
His signature song was "Lonely Teardrops", which peaked at No. 7 on the pop chart and No. 1 on the R&B charts in 1958 and established him as an R&B superstar known for his extraordinary, operatic multi-octave vocal range.
This day in music history
1968, Jimi Hendrix recorded his version of the Bob Dylan song ‘All Along the Watchtower’ at Olympic Studios in London. Rolling Stone Brain Jones and Dave Mason from Traffic both played on the session.
1970, Elvis Presley's last film 'Change Of Habit' was released.
1978, The soundtrack album 'Saturday Night Fever' started a 24 week run at No.1 on the US album charts, it went on to sell over 30 million copies worldwide, making it the best selling soundtrack album of all time.
1984, Soul singer Jackie Wilson died aged 49. Wilson suffered a massive heart attack while playing a Dick Clark show at the Latin Casino in New Jersey on September 29, 1975, falling head-first to the stage while singing ‘Lonely Teardrops’, and had remained in a coma until his death 8 years later. His 1957 single Reet Petite became a posthumous No.1 when re-issued in 1987 due in part to a new animated video made for the song, featuring a clay model of Wilson. Van Morrison wrote 'Jackie Wilson Said' which was covered by Dexy's Midnight Runners.
1984, Yes started a two-week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Owner Of A Lonely Heart 'a No.28 hit in the UK.
1997, 'Colonel' Tom Parker, Elvis Presley's manager and agent died of a stroke in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the age of 87. Born Andreas van Kuijk, a Dutch immigrant who changed his name as soon as he arrived in the US, Parker never applied for a green card and feared deportation his entire life. He briefly managed country singers Eddy Arnold and Hank Snow.
2002, American singer and actress Peggy Lee died of complications from diabetes and a heart attack at the age of 81. 1958 US No. 8 & UK No.5 single 'Fever.' Worked with Benny Goodman, Randy Newman, Quincy Jones. She was nominated for 12 Grammy Awards, winning Best Contemporary Vocal Performance for her 1969 hit ‘Is That All There Is?’
2007, Mika scored his debut UK number one hit single with ‘Grace Kelly’, which went on to be became the third biggest-selling single in the UK in 2007. Amy Winehouse kept her place at the top of the UK album chart with ‘Back to Black.’
1925, Born on this day, Telly Savalas, singer, actor (1975 UK No.1 single 'If'). Played Lt. Theo Kojak a bald New York City detective in the television series Kojak, with a fondness for lollipops and whose trademark line was "Who loves ya, baby?" Died of cancer on 22nd January 1994.
1939, Born on this day, DJ Wolfman Jack. Master of ceremonies for the rock 'n' roll generation of the '60s on radio, and later on television during the '70s. Died of a heart attack 1/7/95.
1941, Born on this day, Placido Domingo, Spanish singer, (1994 UK No.21 single with Jose Carreras and Luciano Pavarotti, 'Libiamo / La Donna E Mobile').
1966, Born on this day, Wendy James, vocals, Transvision Vamp, (1989 UK No.3 single 'Baby I Don't Care').
1970, Elvis Presley's last film 'Change Of Habit' was released.
1978, The soundtrack album 'Saturday Night Fever' started a 24 week run at No.1 on the US album charts, it went on to sell over 30 million copies worldwide, making it the best selling soundtrack album of all time.
1984, Soul singer Jackie Wilson died aged 49. Wilson suffered a massive heart attack while playing a Dick Clark show at the Latin Casino in New Jersey on September 29, 1975, falling head-first to the stage while singing ‘Lonely Teardrops’, and had remained in a coma until his death 8 years later. His 1957 single Reet Petite became a posthumous No.1 when re-issued in 1987 due in part to a new animated video made for the song, featuring a clay model of Wilson. Van Morrison wrote 'Jackie Wilson Said' which was covered by Dexy's Midnight Runners.
1984, Yes started a two-week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Owner Of A Lonely Heart 'a No.28 hit in the UK.
1997, 'Colonel' Tom Parker, Elvis Presley's manager and agent died of a stroke in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the age of 87. Born Andreas van Kuijk, a Dutch immigrant who changed his name as soon as he arrived in the US, Parker never applied for a green card and feared deportation his entire life. He briefly managed country singers Eddy Arnold and Hank Snow.
2002, American singer and actress Peggy Lee died of complications from diabetes and a heart attack at the age of 81. 1958 US No. 8 & UK No.5 single 'Fever.' Worked with Benny Goodman, Randy Newman, Quincy Jones. She was nominated for 12 Grammy Awards, winning Best Contemporary Vocal Performance for her 1969 hit ‘Is That All There Is?’
2007, Mika scored his debut UK number one hit single with ‘Grace Kelly’, which went on to be became the third biggest-selling single in the UK in 2007. Amy Winehouse kept her place at the top of the UK album chart with ‘Back to Black.’
1925, Born on this day, Telly Savalas, singer, actor (1975 UK No.1 single 'If'). Played Lt. Theo Kojak a bald New York City detective in the television series Kojak, with a fondness for lollipops and whose trademark line was "Who loves ya, baby?" Died of cancer on 22nd January 1994.
1939, Born on this day, DJ Wolfman Jack. Master of ceremonies for the rock 'n' roll generation of the '60s on radio, and later on television during the '70s. Died of a heart attack 1/7/95.
1941, Born on this day, Placido Domingo, Spanish singer, (1994 UK No.21 single with Jose Carreras and Luciano Pavarotti, 'Libiamo / La Donna E Mobile').
1966, Born on this day, Wendy James, vocals, Transvision Vamp, (1989 UK No.3 single 'Baby I Don't Care').
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Pink Floyd - Money
"Money" is the first single from English progressive rock band Pink Floyd's 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon. Written by bassist Roger Waters, is the only song on the album to enter the top 20 on the US Charts. The Dark Side of the Moon is their eighth studio album and one of the best-selling albums of all time. Although it held the number one spot in the US for only a week, it remained in the Billboard 200 for 741 weeks from 1973 to 1988 . With an estimated 45 million copies sold, it is Pink Floyd's most commercially successful album.
Chiffons - He's So Fine
And now its time to find the differences..."He's So Fine" is a recording by The Chiffons, one of the most successful girl groups of the early 1960s, which topped the US Charts for four weeks in the spring of 1963. One of the most instantly recognizable Golden Oldies with its doo-lang doo-lang doo-lang background vocal. However is also known from the famous plagiarism case against George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord". The case did not go to trial until February 1976 when the judge ruled on the musical similarities in favor of the girls, determining that Harrison was guilty of "subconscious" plagiarism. Harrison eventually.. bought the rights to "He's So Fine"...
George Harrison - My Sweet Lord
"My Sweet Lord" is a song by former Beatles lead guitarist George Harrison. This song was the first single by an ex-Beatle to reach number one and was released on 23 November 1970. George Harrison,(25 February 1943 – 29 November 2001) ,often referred to as "the quiet Beatle",embraced Indian mysticism, and helped broaden the horizons of the other Beatles. Although most of The Beatles' songs were written by Lennon and McCartney, Harrison, also a songwriter, generally contributed 1-2 songs per record. Following the band's break-up, he had a successful career as a solo artist and later as part of the Traveling Wilburys, and also as a film and record producer. Harrison is listed at number 21 in Rolling Stone magazine's list of "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time".
This day in music history
1933, Born on this day, Ron Townson, The 5th Dimension, (1969 US No.1 & UK No.11 single 'Aquarius'). Died on 3rd August 2001.
1943, Born on this day, Rick Evans, singer, Zager and Evans, (1969 US & UK No.1 single 'In The Year 2525').
1948, Born on this day, Mel Pritchard, Barclay James Harvest, 8 UK Top 40 albums from 1974-87.
1950, Born on this day, Paul Stanley, guitar, vocals, Kiss, (1974 US No.5 single 'On And On', 1976 US No 11 album 'Rock and Roll Over' spent 26 weeks on the chart. 1987 UK No.4 single 'Crazy Crazy Nights').
1969, Born on this day, Nicholas Allen Jones, Manic Street Preachers, (1996 UK No.2 single 'A Design For Life' 1998 UK No.1 album 'This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours').
1965, American disc-jockey Alan Freed died from uraemia at the age of 42. Freed called himself the "father of rock and roll", appeared in the movies such as Rock Around The Clock and Don't Knock the Rock. His career was destroyed by the payola scandal that hit the broadcasting industry in the early 1960s.
1966, The Spencer Davis Group were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Keep On Running'.
1972, On the first date of a UK tour, Pink Floyd premiered their new album Dark Side Of The Moon at The Dome, Brighton, England.
1982, During a Ozzy Osbourne concert in Des Moines, Iowa, a member of the audience threw an unconscious bat onto the stage. Thinking it was one of his rubber fakes, Ozzy picked it up and bit off its head. The singer was taken to hospital to be given a rabies injection.
1985, Foreigner had their only UK No.1 single with 'I Want To Know What Love Is'. London-born Mick Jones wrote the song and sang lead vocals with the British-American rock band.
1988, The Beatles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and Yoko, Sean, and Julian Lennon all attend. Paul McCartney does not attend, sending instead a letter stating that continuing business differences with the other ex-Beatles was the reason for his absence.
2002, George Harrison had the posthumous UK No.1 single with the re-release of the 1971 former No.1 'My Sweet Lord'. Harrison's single replaced Aaliyah's 'More Than A Woman', the only time in chart history that one deceased artist had taken over from another at No.1.
1943, Born on this day, Rick Evans, singer, Zager and Evans, (1969 US & UK No.1 single 'In The Year 2525').
1948, Born on this day, Mel Pritchard, Barclay James Harvest, 8 UK Top 40 albums from 1974-87.
1950, Born on this day, Paul Stanley, guitar, vocals, Kiss, (1974 US No.5 single 'On And On', 1976 US No 11 album 'Rock and Roll Over' spent 26 weeks on the chart. 1987 UK No.4 single 'Crazy Crazy Nights').
1969, Born on this day, Nicholas Allen Jones, Manic Street Preachers, (1996 UK No.2 single 'A Design For Life' 1998 UK No.1 album 'This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours').
1965, American disc-jockey Alan Freed died from uraemia at the age of 42. Freed called himself the "father of rock and roll", appeared in the movies such as Rock Around The Clock and Don't Knock the Rock. His career was destroyed by the payola scandal that hit the broadcasting industry in the early 1960s.
1966, The Spencer Davis Group were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Keep On Running'.
1972, On the first date of a UK tour, Pink Floyd premiered their new album Dark Side Of The Moon at The Dome, Brighton, England.
1982, During a Ozzy Osbourne concert in Des Moines, Iowa, a member of the audience threw an unconscious bat onto the stage. Thinking it was one of his rubber fakes, Ozzy picked it up and bit off its head. The singer was taken to hospital to be given a rabies injection.
1985, Foreigner had their only UK No.1 single with 'I Want To Know What Love Is'. London-born Mick Jones wrote the song and sang lead vocals with the British-American rock band.
1988, The Beatles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and Yoko, Sean, and Julian Lennon all attend. Paul McCartney does not attend, sending instead a letter stating that continuing business differences with the other ex-Beatles was the reason for his absence.
2002, George Harrison had the posthumous UK No.1 single with the re-release of the 1971 former No.1 'My Sweet Lord'. Harrison's single replaced Aaliyah's 'More Than A Woman', the only time in chart history that one deceased artist had taken over from another at No.1.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Janis Joplin - Piece of My Heart
«Stayin' stoned, got enough water, place to sleep. I'd say the 3 essentials to a very happy life.» Janis Lyn Joplin (January 19, 1943 – October 4, 1970) was an American singer, songwriter and music arranger. Joplin's extraordinary success as a pioneer in a male-dominated rock industry of the late 1960s was unprecedented. She opened opportunities into the rock music business for future female singers. "Piece of My Heart" is a song written by Jerry Ragovoy and Bert Berns and originally recorded by Aretha Franklin's older sister, Erma Franklin in 1967. The song became a bigger pop hit when recorded by Big Brother and the Holding Company in 1968, with lead singer Janis Joplin. The song was taken from the group's album Cheap Thrills. This cover version made it to number twelve on the U.S. pop chart.
Canned Heat - On the Road Again
"On the Road Again" a song recorded by the American blues rock group Canned Heat, one of the popular acts of the hippie era,was released as a single in April 1968, and appeared on their 1968 album Boogie with Canned Heat. It was a re-working of the same title blues song by Floyd Jones.It reached number eight on the UK Singles Chart and number sixteen on the Billboard Hot 100. With his knowledge of Eastern music, Wilson,the leader of the group, used a tambura drone to give the song a hypnotic effect and a psychedelic edge. The song features Wilson as the lead singer and harmonica player.
This day in music history
1959, The Platters 'Smoke Gets In Your Eyes', started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart.
1963, The Beatles made their first national TV appearance in the UK on 'Thank Your Lucky Stars' performing 'Please Please Me'.
1967, The Monkees were at No.1 on the UK singles with 'I'm A Believer', the group's only UK No.1.
1971, The Beatles White Album was played in the courtroom at the Sharon Tate murder trial to find out if any songs could have influenced Charles Manson and his followers to commit murder.
1974, Black Oak Arkansas appeared at Kent State University, Kent Ohio. Support act was Bruce Springsteen. Tickets cost $4.00
1978, Johnny Rotten was fired from The Sex Pistols for 'not being weird enough anymore.'
1980, 'Brass In Pocket' gave The Pretenders their first UK No.1 single. The bands self-titled debut album started a four-week run at No.1 on the UK chart also on this day.
1980, Pink Floyd's 'The Wall', started a 15-week run at No.1 on the US album chart. The group's third US No.1, it went on to sell over 8 million copies.
1985, Alison Moyet went to No.1 on the UK album chart with her debut solo album Alf.
1993, Fleetwood Mac re-formed to perform at Bill Clinton's inauguration. The band's "Don't Stop" was used as the theme for his campaign.
1997, Madonna won the Best Actress award for her role in Evita at the Golden Globe Awards.
1998, American Rockabilly singer, songwriter Carl Perkins died aged 65 from throat cancer. He wrote the classic rock & roll song 'Blue Suede Shoes', the first record by a Sun label to sell a million copies.
2001, It was reported that Paul McCartney was set to become the world’s first pop star billionaire. McCartney was said to be worth £725 million ($1,233) and was expected to become a billionaire after huge sales from The Beatles compilation hits album.
2003, Norah Jones started a three week run at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Come Away With Me’, also a UK No.1.
2006, American soul singer, Wilson Pickett died in hospital near his Ashburn, Virginia home of a heart attack aged 64. Pickett recorded the soul classics ‘Mustang Sally’, ‘Everybody Needs Somebody to Love’ and ‘In The Midnight Hour’ plus he scored 15 other US Top 40 singles.
2007, Canadian singer songwriter and former Mamas and the Papas singer Denny Doherty died at the age of 66. He died at his home near Toronto, Canada after a short illness. The group scored the 1966 US No.1 & UK No.2 single 'Monday Monday.'
1939, Born on this day, Phil Everly, singer, songwriter, The Everly Brothers, (1958 UK & US No.1 single 'All I Have To Do Is Dream' plus over 25 other Top 40 hits).
1943, Born on this day, Janis Joplin, US singer who had a 1971 US No.1 single with ‘Me And Bobby McGee’ and a 1971 US No.1 album with Pearl. She died on October 4th 1970 after an accidental heroin overdose.
1946, Born on this day, Dolly Parton, US singer, songwriter, actress, (1976 UK No.7 single 'Jolene', 1981 US No.1 single '9 to 5'). Parton wrote 'I Will Always Love You' which was a US Country No.1 for her in 1974 and became a UK & US No.1 for Whitney Houston in 1992.
1949, Born on this day, Robert Palmer, singer, songwriter, member of Vinegar Joe and solo artist, (1986 US No.1 & UK No.5 single 'Addicted To Love'). Palmer died on 26th Sept 2003 aged 54.
1963, Born on this day, Caron Wheeler, vocals, Soul II Soul, (1989 UK No.1 single 'Back To Life').
1963, The Beatles made their first national TV appearance in the UK on 'Thank Your Lucky Stars' performing 'Please Please Me'.
1967, The Monkees were at No.1 on the UK singles with 'I'm A Believer', the group's only UK No.1.
1971, The Beatles White Album was played in the courtroom at the Sharon Tate murder trial to find out if any songs could have influenced Charles Manson and his followers to commit murder.
1974, Black Oak Arkansas appeared at Kent State University, Kent Ohio. Support act was Bruce Springsteen. Tickets cost $4.00
1978, Johnny Rotten was fired from The Sex Pistols for 'not being weird enough anymore.'
1980, 'Brass In Pocket' gave The Pretenders their first UK No.1 single. The bands self-titled debut album started a four-week run at No.1 on the UK chart also on this day.
1980, Pink Floyd's 'The Wall', started a 15-week run at No.1 on the US album chart. The group's third US No.1, it went on to sell over 8 million copies.
1985, Alison Moyet went to No.1 on the UK album chart with her debut solo album Alf.
1993, Fleetwood Mac re-formed to perform at Bill Clinton's inauguration. The band's "Don't Stop" was used as the theme for his campaign.
1997, Madonna won the Best Actress award for her role in Evita at the Golden Globe Awards.
1998, American Rockabilly singer, songwriter Carl Perkins died aged 65 from throat cancer. He wrote the classic rock & roll song 'Blue Suede Shoes', the first record by a Sun label to sell a million copies.
2001, It was reported that Paul McCartney was set to become the world’s first pop star billionaire. McCartney was said to be worth £725 million ($1,233) and was expected to become a billionaire after huge sales from The Beatles compilation hits album.
2003, Norah Jones started a three week run at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Come Away With Me’, also a UK No.1.
2006, American soul singer, Wilson Pickett died in hospital near his Ashburn, Virginia home of a heart attack aged 64. Pickett recorded the soul classics ‘Mustang Sally’, ‘Everybody Needs Somebody to Love’ and ‘In The Midnight Hour’ plus he scored 15 other US Top 40 singles.
2007, Canadian singer songwriter and former Mamas and the Papas singer Denny Doherty died at the age of 66. He died at his home near Toronto, Canada after a short illness. The group scored the 1966 US No.1 & UK No.2 single 'Monday Monday.'
1939, Born on this day, Phil Everly, singer, songwriter, The Everly Brothers, (1958 UK & US No.1 single 'All I Have To Do Is Dream' plus over 25 other Top 40 hits).
1943, Born on this day, Janis Joplin, US singer who had a 1971 US No.1 single with ‘Me And Bobby McGee’ and a 1971 US No.1 album with Pearl. She died on October 4th 1970 after an accidental heroin overdose.
1946, Born on this day, Dolly Parton, US singer, songwriter, actress, (1976 UK No.7 single 'Jolene', 1981 US No.1 single '9 to 5'). Parton wrote 'I Will Always Love You' which was a US Country No.1 for her in 1974 and became a UK & US No.1 for Whitney Houston in 1992.
1949, Born on this day, Robert Palmer, singer, songwriter, member of Vinegar Joe and solo artist, (1986 US No.1 & UK No.5 single 'Addicted To Love'). Palmer died on 26th Sept 2003 aged 54.
1963, Born on this day, Caron Wheeler, vocals, Soul II Soul, (1989 UK No.1 single 'Back To Life').
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