Monthly Archives: July 2021

Gospel was the only type of music for which the King of Rock N Roll won a Grammy. Elvis Presley’s second Grammy Award came in 1972 with the album “He Touched Me,” featuring spiritual songs like “Amazing Grace” and “Reach … Continue reading →

Darlene Love first hit it big as lead singer of the Crystals in 1962 with the Billboard Hot 100 smash, “He’s a Rebel.” She can also be heard singing back-up vocals on many hits such as the “Monster Mash” by … Continue reading →

In 1971, in cooperation with Post Cereal, RCA Special Products released “Golden Hits” by the Monkees on the Colgems label. The album contained classics such as “Last Train to Clarksville,” “I’m a Believer,” “Pleasant Valley Sunday” and the “Monkees Theme.” … Continue reading →

It was the single “Searchin’” with “Young Blood” on the flip side that really launched the multi-hit career for the Coasters. When the Beatles auditioned for Decca records in 1962, Paul McCartney chose “Searchin’” to perform. The song featured lyrics … Continue reading →

It was the soundtrack that never was. In 1969 Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention recorded the album, “Uncle Meat.” Mostly an instrumental album, the few lyrics are basically inside jokes. The science fiction film for the soundtrack was … Continue reading →

“Singing the Blues” by Guy Mitchell was one of the biggest hits of 1956, occupying the #1 position on the Billboard chart for 10 weeks. Prior to his “Singing the Blues,” Guy Mitchell recorded as Al Grant for King Records. … Continue reading →

One of the lesser-known animated TV shows produced by Hanna Barbera debuted in 1969 and ran through 1971. “Cattanooga Cats”, similar to “The Archies,” was a series about a fictitious Rock band. The drummer, Groove, was voiced by Casey Kasem. … Continue reading →

By the beginning of the 70’s Ricky or Rick Nelson’s career was fading fast and he joined the “oldies” crowd at concerts featuring the hit-makers of the early Rock N Roll era. At Madison Square Garden in 1971, he was … Continue reading →

Among the giants of the Big Band era was Glenn Miller. In 1942 he wanted to join the army but was informed he was too old. But through persistence he was sworn in and formed the Army Air Force Band. … Continue reading →

In 1966 the Supremes hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the 8th time with “You Keep Me Hangin’ On.” A year later the Vanilla Fudge gave the song a psychedelic sound and brought their version to #6. The song … Continue reading →