Remembering Phoebe Snow...

    I didn't want any more time to slip by without mentioning Phoebe Snow. The vast majority of people remember her for one thing, her 1975 hit single, "Poetry Man", and of course we will get a view of that here, but to my mind it's the rest of her life that made her memorable.      She was discovered singing at the Bitter End club in New York City in 1972 and a few years later released her highly acclaimed first...

Read More

Lynyrd Skynyrd--Sweet Home Alabama (1974)

    One of my several hobbies include amateur meteorology. In fact, spent a stint as a storm spotter when living in Missouri. Those of us who study weather and it's impact w ere in the same turn awe struck and sickened by the events Wednesday. At this writing there were over 300 deaths, and possibility injuries over 1,000. The truly frightening thing is that watching the storms bulldoze its way through the south, it was apparent that for some, there was no "safe place" to go . And the destruction cut from Arkansas right up the southland....

Read More

Forgotten R & B Artist: Buddy Ace--The Silver Fox of the Blues

    Jimmy Land was born in Jasper Texas in 1936. Like many who sang R&B, he first cut his musical teeth in gospel with several different groups, including one with Joe Tex. During the early 50's his focus began to shift, and soon was touring with Bobby Bland and Junior Parker's band. He signed a deal with Duke records in 1955 and began a long string of great, but largely forgotten songs. During this time he also became, Buddy Ace, named after the just deceased singer Johnny Ace. For a great article concerning this you can click...

Read More

Cuba Gooding Jr.'s Dad.....smooth soul from the 70's

When you say, Cuba Gooding, many think of junior, who won an Academy Award for best supporting actor in "Jerry McGuire". The blog this morning however, is all about dad.... Dudley Gooding was born in Barbados who fled to Cuba in 1936, where he met and married. The couple were affiliated with Pan Africanist leader Marcus Garvey, which led to her murder. On her deathbed, he promised to name his first born son Cuba....which he did in New York City on this day in 1936. Senior's claim to fame is as lead singer of the Main Ingredient from 1972 to 1977,...

Read More

Gary Wright--Dream Weaver (1976)

    Gary Wright was first known professionally as an actor. In 1954 he played Florence Henderson's son in the production of Fanny, but was focusing on music by the late 50's. Wright traveled to Europe to study, but instead became the keyboardist and singer of the British band, Spooky Tooth in 67. He recorded a couple of solo albums in 71 and 72,  but remained in the band until 1974. His big year was 1976 as he reached #2 on  the charts with "Dream Weaver" and "Love Is Alive", after that having another half dozen singles...

Read More

The first Spanish group to hit the charts: Los Bravos--Black is Black (1966)

     Today is Mike Kogel's 66th birthday!       Mike (who was born in Berlin)  was the lead vocalist for the group Los Bravos, who in 1966 became the first group of Spanish origin to hit the charts. They had somewhat better success in Europe, but "Black is Black" was the only song to reach any kind of popularity here in the states. Don't forget to check out the best oldies station on the planet. Just click to the banner on the right. Happy Monday everyone...

Read More

Sunday Morning Vault: Audience--Indian Summer (1971)

    Audience was a rock group from Britian from 69 to 72. The line up on this record was Howard Werth, Keith Gemmell, Trevor Williams, and Tony Connor. This was the second of four singles, but the only one that charted  in the US...To hear music like this and others from the past...just click on the live365 banner on the right for the best oldies on the planet......

Read More

The Big O.....

There was only one Roy Orbison, who would have been 75 today. He always had a mysterious streak about him with the dark glasses and all. Those glasses seemed to hide much more than poor eyesight. It hid his painful shyness, and then later the pain of losing his wife in a car accident and this two eldest sons in a house fire. The operatic sound of his voice made everything he sang sound like it was the most important thing in the world to him. There are many who sing, "I lost my baby"...when he sang it, you felt that someone needed to put him on...

Read More

The Beatles: Ticket To Ride (1965)

It's Friday, my morning is busy with stuff that isn't linked to me being near the computer...and there is nothing that jumps out me as far as a blog goes this morning. So what to do? You can never go wrong with the Beatles. Will have a fuller blog tomorrow morning....have a great Friday...

Read More

Tony Orlando & Dawn: Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree (1973)

The idea of using a yellow ribbon has been a part of culture since the English civil war in the 17th century as soldiers would wear yellow sashes out to war. This was visualized in the U.S. cavalry as early as the 1880's by the painter Fredric Remington, although there was nothing in the dress code that made it specific to a man's uniform to wear a kerchief. We see it in the actual form of a yellow ribbon to remember a loved one out to war in a popular marching song from the World War I, called, "'Round Her Neck She Wears a Yeller Ribbon". The...

Read More

New installment of the "History of Rock and Pop" tonight!!

Just a quick reminder that our newest installment of "The History of Rock and Pop" will be presented at 9pm tonight and again at 2am tomorrow morning. Both times are US Central time. We will be checking out the sounds and cultural events of the summer of 1955...so be there!! Than...

Read More

Atlanta Rhythm Section: Imaginary Lover (1978) & Angel (1975)

We had some storms come through the Nashville area last night, and although it wasn't a major problem or anything, am sure there are some people who didn't get a lot of sleep. So...thought I'd mellow out this Tuesday morning. People categorize ARS as "southern rock", but they came across to me as more jazzy in their approach. Either way, every single they put out in the 70's was of top notch quality and are worth a listen. I'm just picking out two for your listening pleasure....by the way, the recording of "Angel" was a re-recording done in 97....

Read More

It's surf music time!! The Astronauts: Baja & Hot Doggin' (1963)

From the beginnings of recorded pop music in the early 20th century, record companies have attempted to follow trends. If something works for one company, the others will try to emulate it. One of the trends in the early 60's was surf music. Pioneers in the genre like Dick Dale were equaled and surpassed by The Beach Boys, and then every major record executive had to have at least one surf group in their stable. RCA Victor hitched it's wagons to "The Astronauts" out of Boulder, Colorado (I know...am not sure what Boulder has to do with surfing...but...

Read More

In Praise of: The Association

   I still remember going to the record shop (in Sears department store methinks...), and buying the 45 of "Windy". Even at the age of 7, it was obvious that harmonies were to define my thinking musically and the Association was IT (had not discovered Brian Wilson as of yet). They defined "soft rock" which has served them well over the years, but it's the one thing that has kept music critics from looking at them seriously (which is a problem with music critics over the years...they mistake the craft of making music with their own tastes)....

Read More

Sunday Morning Vault: Ashton, Gardner & Dyke: Resurrection Shuffle (1970)

The vault opens up to find a ditty with a tasty horn section. Tony Ashton (keys), Roy Dyke (drums), Kim Gardner (bass) came together in 1968. Ashton was an uncredited contributor to George Harrison's debut album, "All Things Must Past". However Harrison and Eric Clapton repaid by helping with their second album which "Resurrection Shuffle" was a part. They had no success with follow up recordings and split up in 1973. All three went on to have successful careers as session players...

Read More

David Soul: Don't Give Up On Us Baby (1977)

On this date in 1977, David Soul hit #1 with "Don't Give Up On Us Baby".... Born David Solberg in 1973,  his mother was a teacher and his father was a Lutheran minister and Professor of History and Political Science.  At the age of 19, he turned down a contract to play for the Chicago White Sox to study Political Science. While at college in Mexico, he learned how to play guitar which changed everything for him. Interestingly enough however what initially garnered him success was his acting. His first big TV role was playing Joshua Bolt...

Read More

Frank and Nancy Sinatra: Somethin' Stupid (1967)

    Deciding the subject for a blog depends on a couple of things. The first would be who's discography I'm studying at any particular moment, and the second is a combination of rock history (what happens on a certain date) and my own gut instinct. The last reason is probably why Nancy Sinatra is the first artist to get a second blog. If you look earlier (Feb. 17th to be exact) you can read about, "These Boots Are Made For Walkin". This time around she is paired with her dad as they sing, "Somethin Stupid". I"ve been waiting for...

Read More

Making it on the charts with four different groups in the same year....

Happy 69th birthday to Tony Burrows!! In 1970, Tony was one busy man having sung on four different songs, with four different groups and all of them making the charts. In fact he was the only person to sing on BBC's "Top of the Pops" three times, with three different groups. His distinctive voice is still heard as oldies stations play a couple of the songs often. Let's run down the list.....there was The Brotherhood of Man (Jan.), Edison Lighthouse (Feb.), White Plains (March), and The Pipkins (April). All four are included here for your listening...

Read More

Happy 65th Birthday to the Rev. Al....

    The tension between the gospel music and worldly lyrics is one of the things that make R&B so appealing. Most all of the performers in this genre cut their teeth in the church and in the case of Al Green, his musical education began in a gospel quartet with his family called The Greene Brothers (He dropped the "e" when he began a solo career). His father kicked him our of the group with little Al was caught listening to Jackie Wilson records.....      He won fame in the early 70's with a collection of...

Read More

Happy Birthday to David Cassidy

I've been doing this blog almost every day for 4 months now without ever resorting to ask the question, "what would my readers want to see?". Oldies music is such a broad subject, that I figured that whatever I wrote about...it would be read. This morning there are two birthdays that caught my eye. One was Tiny Tim, the folk singer who's, "Tiptoe Through The Tulips" was a hit in the late 60's.....and then I see the other and quickly cave to what I know will be a much more popular blog....shame on me. The debate among middle school girls in the...

Read More

Monday Morning Rock: Golden Earring--Radar Love (1974)

The rock band that has success AND longevity are few and far between.. The number of bands who have both with basically the same lineup are even fewer. Which is what makes the dutch band, Golden Earring so interesting. They formed in 1961 as The Tornadoes, but changed it after finding another band with the same name. Since 1970 they have had the same lineup and with it soon came fame in Europe and in the US with "Radar Love" in 1974, and then again with "Twilight Zone" in 1982. They have not toured the US since 1984 choosing to focus on mostly...

Read More

Sunday Morning Vault: Archibald--Stack-A-Lee (1950)

Archibald's real name was Leon T. Gross, and he was one of the hundreds of barrel-house piano players hailing from New Orleans. A few like Professor Longhair were recorded, but many were not, playing in the clubs and bars of the city. Because of illness and disputes with the musician's union, he never recorded much, nor did he tour, but the 11 tracks that remain of the man are top quality. He had a long standing gig at the Poodle Patio Club on Bourbon Street, and died of a heart attack in 1973. Stack-A-Lee was many of the variations of the folk...

Read More

It's one for the money....

Sixty-nine years ago today, Carl Perkins was born in Tiptonville TN. It could be argued that Perkins was the greatest influence on the The Beatles, as John Lennon and George Harrison were both not only big fans, but imitators of his style...especially in the early days. In fact his style and influence far out weighed his actual chart action, but you cannot say, "Rockabilly" without thinking of Carl Perkins....I can't decide which video to play, and such a cast of players along with him....so I'll play em' all....happy Saturday everyon...

Read More

Happy Birthday to Steve Howe from Yes!

Today is the 64th birthday for guitarist Steve Howe. He has been in several bands over the years, but his place in the history of rock will be secure from his work as lead guitar player for the group Yes. He is still touring with Yes as well as doing solo work as well. Have a happy Friday y'all....

Read More

Forgotten R&B Artist: Calvin Arnold

Calvin Arnold was one of the many artists who were popular within a certain region (this time in Georgia), but other than a song or two, never made it nation wide. He started out with The Gardenias in the early 60's then out on his own. He recorded one great song after another for almost a 10 year period. To my knowledge he is still alive in Georgia, but is out of the music biz. His appearance on the pop charts was relegated to "Funky Way" in 1968, but as you will hear, I think he had several songs that were much better that never saw the light...

Read More

Blue Swede: Hooked On A Feeling (1974)

Blue Swede (Hinke Ekestubbe sax, Tommy Berglund trp, Anders Berglund keyb, Micke Areklew git, Bo Liljedahl b, Janne Guldback) was formed as a backup band for singer Bjorn Skifs in 1973. They picked up on a version of B.J. Thomas' "Hooked On a Feeling" done by Jonathan King (who actually produced the album), using that very distinctive opening. They did several other covers including a knock out version of The Association's 'Never My Love', but was done charting in the US just a little over a year later. The group broke up in 76, but Skifs still...

Read More

Happy Birthday to Alan Clarke of The Hollies.....

The Bus wishes Alan Clarke, former lead vocalist of The Hollies, a happy 69th birthday.......

Read More

Muddying the Waters...one of the great influences on Rock and Roll...

On this day in 1915, McKinley Morganfield, better known as Muddy Waters was born in Mississippi. We could not have a relevant discussion about rock and roll without him. The great guitarists from the 60's who became the launching pad for all of modern rock; Hendrix, Page, Clapton, Allman, were influenced heavily by Waters. Am going to play a couple (or three) songs that he is best known for. Happy Monday all....

Read More

Sunday Morning Vault: Louis Armstrong--Hello Dolly (1964)

Entire books have been written about Satchmo and his mark on popular music in the 20th Century....and it's Sunday morning and should be a time for kicking back, staying quiet and relaxing...so am going to do all three. Happy Sunday everyone...

Read More

Saturday Morning Rock: Argent--Hold Your Head Up (1972)

I do not like to rush blogs, but am going to be busy teaching students all morning, and know many of you have busy Saturdays planned...so wanted to get this out asap. Rod Argent was the keyboard player for The Zombies and left in 70 to form his own band. Along with Russ Ballard, they crafted some very tasty progressive rock. We'll take a closer look at the group down the road, but wanted to share with you the album (and brilliant) version of "Hold Your Head Up".....happy Saturday everyone!!...

Read More

The Archies: Sugar, Sugar (1969)/Who's Your Baby (1970)

The Archies were created by Don Kirshner in a desire to have a band that "doesn't talk back" after being fired by The Monkees. It was based on the comic book of the same name and had a couple of singer/songwriters who would achieve popularity in the 70's. Ron Dante recorded an album under the name, The Cuff Links and had a #1 hit with "Tracy" about the same time as "Sugar, Sugar" hit the charts. He spent much of the 70's as the producer for Barry Manilow. Andy Kim had a big hit in 1974 with, "Rock Me Gently". Both continue to work n the music business....

Read More