Monthly Archives: September 2023

John Lennon once said, “If you tried to give Rock and Roll another name you might call it Chuck Berry.” Duck walking his way through the beginning of the Rock N Roll era, his hits and influence are immeasurable. In … Continue reading →

Laura Nyro was a singer and songwriter whose compositions gained fame for others like “Eli’s Coming” for Three Dog Night. The 5th Dimension scored with her songs “Stone Soul Picnic” and “Wedding Bell Blues.” Blood, Sweat & Tears had a … Continue reading →

Many say the birth of Soul music was 1955 when Ray Charles introduced singles like “I Got a Woman” and “Hallelujah, I Love Her So.” In 1957, Atlantic Records released his debut album simply called “Ray Charles.” The same album … Continue reading →

These are “Records You  Should Know About.” Who is Hasil Atkins and why should you care? Hasil (pronounced Hassel) was little known outside West Virginia where he spent his entire life. He loved girls, guitars, cars and was obsessed with chickens. All … Continue reading →

Larry Henley co-wrote a song that has become a standard and first made famous by Bette Midler. That song is “Wind Beneath My Wings.” But in 1964, Henley was a member of the Newbeats who hit big with a silly … Continue reading →

“Long John Silver” is unique in the sense that the movie, starring Robert Newton as Long John Silver, later became a TV series, “The Adventures of Long John Silver,” with the same actors who appeared in the movie. The movie … Continue reading →

The Blues bring big bucks, especially the 78’s from the first half of the 20th century. In 1930, Paramount records released “All Night Long Blues” by Louise Johnson. A copy is worth up to $2,000.00. In 1929, Victor records issued … Continue reading →

In 1964, Elvis starred in “Kissin Cousins” where he played two different characters, sporting a blond wig for one. The soundtrack might have been bigger had it not been for the Beatles who were beginning their journey of dominating the … Continue reading →

One of the lesser-known bands of the British Invasion was one-hit-wonders, the Nashville Teens. In their native land they backed up American rockers like Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins, and Gene Vincent. On their only hit, “Tobacco Road,” … Continue reading →

Cameo-Parkway was a small recording company in Philadelphia that was blessed by being able to provide so much talent that appeared on “American Bandstand,” which was broadcast nearby. Signed to their label were chart-toppers like Bobby Rydell, Chubby Checker, Dee … Continue reading →