Monthly Archives: August 2021

Blues artist Jimmy Reed had a major impact on many of Rock N Roll’s superstars from Elvis Presley to the Rolling Stones. The Yardbirds dedicated an instrumental to him on their album “Having a Rave Up.” Elvis recorded two of … Continue reading →

The second album for Buffalo Springfield was released in 1967. It took a while to complete as bass player Bruce Palmer was often away due to drug abuse and Neil Young often absent for his own personal reasons. Among the … Continue reading →

Known as “Gentleman Jim,” Country superstar Jim Reeves continued to have hits after his death. Reeves first hit the charts big time in 1954 with “Bimbo.” In 1957, he had one of his biggest hits with “Four Walls.” His best … Continue reading →

Rare Earth was not the first white band signed by Motown but they were the first to hit big. They did it in 1970 with “Get Ready.” More hits followed like “I Just Want to Celebrate” in 1971. Motown was … Continue reading →

            Two years before Jerry Lee Lewis had his smash hit of “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” Big Maybelle charted with her version. In 1999, the Grammy Hall of Fame Award was given to Big … Continue reading →

In 1965, Elvis Presley starred in the movie “Tickle Me.” It’s unique for an Elvis movie as all the songs for the film had been previously released on other Elvis albums. There were no new songs recorded just for the … Continue reading →

Jimmy Bowen was a major record producer in the 1960’s. Frank Sinatra hired him to produce records for his Reprise record label. Bowen produced hits for Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. But back in the 1950’s, Bowen was … Continue reading →

The first draft of Jan And Dean’s 1963 hit, “Surf City”, was written by Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys. The working title was “Goody Connie Won’t You Come Back Home.” The working title for “Yesterday” by the Beatles was … Continue reading →

One of the most popular and endearing Doo Wop classics is “Earth Angel,” made famous by the Penguins and written by Jesse Belvin. In 1956, Jesse had his own big hit with “Good Night My Love.” In 1959, he hit … Continue reading →

After Billy Joel played “Just the Way You Are” for his then wife Elizabeth, she asked “Do I get the publishing too?” Later Billy would say, “In retrospect, I probably should have known right then and there that the relationship … Continue reading →