Monthly Archives: July 2025

“Rockin’ Robin” by Bobby Day was released in 1958 and is one of those songs everyone from 8-80 seems to know. The fact that it was made a hit again in 1972 by Michael Jackson does not hurt its lasting … Continue reading →

In the 1980’s, Stevie Ray Vaughn established himself as the premier Blues guitarist of the day. Vaughn’s band, Double Trouble, was the first unsigned group to play the Montreau Jazz Festival. In 1985, he became the first while bluesman to … Continue reading →

The Crests was one of the most successful Doo Wop groups of the 50’s and 60’s. With Johnny Maestro singing lead, they scored their first big hit in 1958 with “16 Candles.” Find a copy on 78 rpm and $400.00 … Continue reading →

The Marvelettes was one of Motown’s most popular girl-groups. Their first hit, “Please Mr. Postman,” was written by William Garrett, a real mail carrier. It was Motown’s first #1 record. The song stayed on the charts for almost 6 months. … Continue reading →

David LaFlamme once played violin with the Utah Symphony. In the late 60’s he formed the band, “It’s A Beautiful Day,” an early example of what became known as New Age music. Eventually, LaFlamme would be tossed out of the … Continue reading →

Singer/songwriter Jim Croce was a major star in the early 1970’s with smash hits like “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim,” Bad Bad Leroy Brown,” and “Time in a Bottle.” His hit, “I Got a Name,” sold over a million … Continue reading →

It’s an irony if not complete injustice that the only music the King of Rock and Roll ever won Grammys for was Gospel. The first came in 1957 with the release of the RCA EP, “Peace in the Valley.” An … Continue reading →

The Crystals was the first group that famed record producer Phil Spector signed to his Philles record label. Their only #1 hit came in 1962 with “He’s a Rebel,” written by Gene Pitney. In one of Rock and Roll’s great … Continue reading →

Buddy Miles had an extensive, interesting career. He played with Jimi Hendrix and sang lead vocals for the California Raisins, the Claymation group from the commercials. Before he formed his own band, the Buddy Miles Express, he played with Wilson … Continue reading →

Smokey Robinson is as important to the Motown story as its founder, Barry Gordy. Bob Dylan has called Smokey Robinson “America’s greatest living poet.” With the Miracles, Smokey had 27 top-40 hits and many more as a solo performer. In … Continue reading →