Monthly Archives: November 2024

With hits like “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On,” it seemed like Jerry Lee Lewis’ star would burn bright for a long time, that is until he married his 13-year old cousin. The hits stopped. The concerts stopped. His star faded … Continue reading →

Marvin Gaye was one of Motown’s most successful recording artist. For years, he wanted to be taken more seriously as a singer of standards in the vein of Nat King Cole and Sam Cooke. However, the record label was more … Continue reading →

Known as the “king of the blues,” B.B. King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Well into his 80’s, King continued to perform as many as 100 concerts a year. The B.B. stands for … Continue reading →

The “Elvis movie formula” began with his second film, “Loving You.” The Elvis character rises from rags to riches to fame and fortune and all the troubles that come with it. This theme was repeated in his next two movies, … Continue reading →

In 1965, Barbara Lewis had a hit with “Baby I’m Yours.” But it almost never happened. Barbara didn’t like the song. Take after take, her heart just wasn’t in it; that is until her manager told her his little daughter … Continue reading →

In the summer of 1955, 20-year old Elvis Presley gains national exposure for the first time when he reaches # 1 on Billboard, but not on the pop chart. He does it with a song on Billboards’ Country Chart with … Continue reading →

In 1966 the Beatles peaked at #11 on Billboard’s Hot 100 with “Eleanor Rigby.” It was the first Beatles’ release where none of the Beatles played instruments. A string section of studio musicians, composed of four violins, two cellos and … Continue reading →

“Dazed and Confused” was a song Jimmy Page played with the Yardbirds in their live performances. When he joined Led Zeppelin, the group recorded and released it on their 1969 debut album. Due to the demand from radio, Atlantic Records … Continue reading →

When we say that little things can make a big difference in value for the same record, there’s no better example than the Rolling Stone’s first album released by London Records in the U.S. in 1964. What you want is … Continue reading →