Monthly Archives: June 2021

The Kingston Trio is the very first group to reach the top of the U.S album charts. They did it first in 1958.  As Folk Music artists they would repeat this feat four more times in an era where Rock … Continue reading →

In 1968 Simon and Garfunkel had their second #1 hit with “Mrs. Robinson.” It would win a Grammy for Record of the Year. Paul Simon would later say that the phrase in the song that went “Coo-Coo-Ca Choo” was an … Continue reading →

Count Basie was best known for songs like “One O’clock Jump” and “April in Paris.” Basie was the leader of his band for almost fifty years. During that time he played at one of President Kennedy’s Inaugural Balls as well … Continue reading →

One of the 1970’s best known Rock bands was Grand Funk Railroad. They took their name from Grand Trunk Western Railroad that ran through their town of Flint, Michigan. With Todd Rundgren as a producer, they had their most successful … Continue reading →

Lola Albright had appeared in several movies in the 1940’s and 50’s before she gained fame playing a nightclub singer and the romantic interest for Craig Stevens on the hit TV show, “Peter Gunn.” She later had a major role … Continue reading →

”She was sent from down below.” That’s what Ernie K-Doe sang about his mother-in-law. But he should have thanked her for giving him a million-seller that hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961. Released on Minit Records, a … Continue reading →

Art Kassel started his dance band in 1924 and over the years featured many great musicians including Benny Goodman.  Kassel was a saxophonist and a clarinetist. His composition of “Doodle Doo Doo” can even be heard in the soundtrack of … Continue reading →

In 1963, Mercury Records released the Boris Karloff album, “Tales of the Frightened.” The man who brought Frankenstein’s monster and the Mummy to the silver screen tells creepy tales in that familiar eerie voice just made to bring us chills. … Continue reading →

In 1967, Van Morrison had his first solo hit with “Brown-Eyed Girl.” Two years earlier the Golliwogs came out with their single “Brown-Eyed Girl.” It’s the same title but different song. The Golliwogs would later be known as Creedence Clearwater … Continue reading →

Marv Johnson had his biggest hit in 1959 with “You’ve Got What it Takes” for United Artists.  He was also the first recording artist to have a record released by what would become the giant Motown record empire. “Come to … Continue reading →