Monthly Archives: January 2025

“Music From Big Pink” is the first album for the Band. They had previously backed up Bob Dylan on his tours in 1966.  The title refers to the color of the house in West Saugerties, New York shared by band … Continue reading →

The Hollywood Argyles had one of the biggest novelty hits of the early rock and roll era with “Alley-Oop.” The 45 charted for 15 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number one for the week of July 11, … Continue reading →

“Desperado” is unique among albums by the Eagles. It’s the only Eagles album, released by a U.S. record company, where the members are shown on the cover. “Desperado” is one of their most popular songs, but was never released as … Continue reading →

“Shake, Rattle and Roll” by Bill Haley and His Comets is one of most iconic songs of the early rock and roll era. Released in 1954 by Decca Records, the hit spent 27 weeks in the Top-40 on the Billboard … Continue reading →

“Nowhere Man” by the Beatles was a #3 Billboard Hot 100 hit in 1966. Featured in “Nowhere Land” in the Beatles’ animated movie “Yellow Submarine,” the song was included on the British version of the “Rubber Soul” album but was … Continue reading →

Many consider “Night Beat” the best album that Sam Cooke ever recorded. It doesn’t contain pop hits like “Wonderful World” and “Havin’ a Party.” It is much more reflective of the real Sam Cooke, intimate and contemplative. The album showcases … Continue reading →

In March of 1955 the producers of the TV show, “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts,” which was the “American Idol” show of the fifties, gave a thumbs down to a future king. I wonder if Simon Cowell would have said what … Continue reading →

At the beginning of the British Invasion, the Beatles had several American stars opening for them on their U.S. appearances such as the Marvelettes, the Ronettes and Mary Wells. But in March of 1963 they were the opening act in … Continue reading →

Dusty Springfield was among the biggest female hit-makers of the 60’s with classics like “Wishin’ and Hopin’,’’ “I Only Want to Be with You” and “Son of a Preacher Man. In 1999, two weeks after passing from breast cancer, she … Continue reading →

There was a number one song in 1959 that Dick Clark on American Bandstand and several radio stations refused to play as they felt the record was too violent. It’s an updated version of a 1911 folk song based on … Continue reading →