Monthly Archives: September 2021

Del Shannon is best known for his 1961 Billboard Hot 100 #1 hit, “Runaway.” He followed up with “Hats Off to Larry,” a #5 chart-buster. He was the first American to record a Beatles song with “From Me to You.” … Continue reading →

Song-writing team Ashford & Simpson wrote “The Boss” for Diana Ross in 1979 during the Disco craze. It resulted in a return to the charts for Ross after a long absence. Ashford & Simpson also sang back-up. The 45 is … Continue reading →

Location! Location! Location! That phrase describes the necessity of being in the right place to maximize profit. Chancellor Records was in the right place, Philadelphia, and the right time when American Bandstand took off like a rocket in the late … Continue reading →

In 1962 Tommy Roe hit # 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with a song which was reminiscent of Buddy Holly’s “Peggy Sue.” Only Tommy’s song was “Sheila.” He was thought of mostly as a “bubblegum” singer with hits like … Continue reading →

Following the success of “The One Who Really Loves You” and “You Beat Me to the Punch,” Mary Wells had her third hit with the Smokey Robinson composition “Two Lovers.” The single went top-10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in … Continue reading →

In 1958, James Stewart and Kim Novak starred in the movie, “Vertigo,” produced and directed by Alfred Hitchcock. At the time, the film received mixed reviews but over the years it has gained recognition as a classic and defining moment … Continue reading →

“Nowhere Man” by the Beatles was a #3 Billboard Hot 100 hit in 1966. Featured in “Nowhere Land” in the Beatles’ animated movie “Yellow Submarine,” the song was included on the British version of the “Rubber Soul” album but was … Continue reading →

In November of 1996, Web Entertainment released the first album by rapper Eminem, born Marshall Mathers. The “Infinite” album was criticized for its production values but highly praised for lyrics by Eminem. Original copies with “EMLP1-A” and “EMLP1-B” in the … Continue reading →

Many consider “Night Beat” the best album that Sam Cooke ever recorded. It doesn’t contain pop hits like “Wonderful World” and “Havin’ a Party.” It is much more reflective of the real Sam Cooke, intimate and contemplative. The album showcases … Continue reading →

In March of 1955 the producers of the TV show, “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts,” which was the “American Idol” show of the fifties, gave a thumbs down to a future king. I wonder if Simon Cowell would have said what … Continue reading →