Monthly Archives: June 2025

The Zombies were among the groups who rode the wave of the British Invasion. Forming their band at St. Albans school in England, they had just about given up when they won a contest, which led to a recording contract … Continue reading →

Young Roy Orbison played mostly Country music with his band, the Wink Westerners. However, a college friend and future hit-maker, Pat Boone, urged Roy to lean more toward the new music craze called Rock and Roll. Orbison then formed a … Continue reading →

“Surfin’ Bird” is one of those songs you hear once and either love it or hate it. Recorded by the Trashmen, it went all the way to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1965 even though many radio stations … Continue reading →

Alice Cooper, a pioneer of Shock Rock, chopped up rubber dolls and simulated executions on stage while draping a live boa constrictor around his neck. He is entertaining! In 1972, he released “School’s Out,” his first major hit but worth no … Continue reading →

“Don’t Be Cruel” with “Hound Dog” on the flip side is Elvis Presley’s all-time best-selling 2-sided single and his personal favorite. The king recorded 28 takes before settling on the version heard on record. “Don’t Be Cruel” was originally offered … Continue reading →

What’s the most valuable record by the Rolling Stones without a picture sleeve? That would be their first release in the U.S. on London Records in 1964. The title, “Stoned,” made radio stations reluctant to play it. An original copy … Continue reading →

Its said that “Do You Love Me” was a song originally meant for the Temptations but when they weren’t available the Contours stepped in and created a classic and a Billboard top-5 hit in 1962. In 1988, the song was … Continue reading →

Dennis Coffey played on several Motown records along with the Funk Brothers, the musicians who played behind the Motown stars. Coffey can be heard on the psychedelic “Cloud 9” by the Temptations and “Someday We’ll Be Together” by Diana Ross … Continue reading →

In the 1920’s, Ma Rainey was known as “the mother of the blues” and credited to be the first great female blues recording artist. Sometimes, because of the suggestive themes of her recordings, she was called “Madame Rainey.” All of … Continue reading →